Revels

/ˈrɛvəlz/ verb, noun

Definition

To celebrate wildly and joyfully; boisterous festivities and merrymaking.

Etymology

From Old French reveler (to revel, to rebel), possibly from Vulgar Latin rebellare. The connection to 'rebel' suggests a wild, uncontrolled quality that made it perfect for describing unrestrained celebration.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare loved the word 'revels'—he used it in The Tempest where Prospero interrupts a magical celebration, and there's something about the word that just sounds like chaos and joy happening at the same time.

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