intransitive: to experience a surge of excitement and pleasure
They thrilled to the sound of his voice.
She remembers that her father thrilled to see his daughter's name in print … David Ansen
From the beginning, Americans thrilled to the Hubble's potential to do dramatic science, to take us intellectually where no one has gone before. Chet Raymo
Kit thrilled at the sight of the familiar red coats. Elizabeth George Speare
The thrill isn't gone from our marriage after all this time.
the thrill of discovery/victory
"The most fun thing I've done so far," [Dorothy] Parke reports, "is put my foot through a window. It was only breakaway glass; but it was my first stunt, and it gave me such a thrill." Paul Francis
b
: a tingling of or as if of the nerves produced by a sudden emotional reaction
a thrill of horror
a thrill of pride/pleasure/anticipation
Harry felt a thrill of dread: He was about to pay for what had just happened, he was sure of it. J. K. Rowling
2
: a very exciting or enjoyable event or experience
What a thrill it was to see the Queen!
a movie with a lot of thrills and chills[=exciting and frightening parts]
the thrills and spills of skateboarding
He had always fancied himself as having a fine voice, and now to hear it from his wife's own lips was a real thrill. E. B. White
Verb Circus performers still thrill audiences today. I was thrilled by their decision.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In news sure to thrill horror movie fans, the original film’s directer and composer, John Carpenter, has returned to score Halloween Ends in tandem with his son Cody and Daniel Davies. Marisa Whitaker, SPIN, 13 Sep. 2022 The starkness and simplicity of the Octo Finissimo Sejima Edition designed for Bulgari by Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima are sure to thrill lovers of minimalist style. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2022 Still, the action is unlikely to thrill any of the factions that have been jostling for influence as Biden weighs how much to cancel and for whom. Seung Min Kim, Michael Balsamo, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 Still, the action is unlikely to thrill any of the factions that have been jostling for influence as Biden weighs how much to cancel and for whom. Seung Min Kim, Chris Megerian, Chron, 24 Aug. 2022 This year Duane will unveil a massive new surprise currently under wraps but sure to thrill everyone. Jim Dobson, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 Those 10 seconds would turn into more than 25 years of brotherhood and rock stardom, as the pair went on to thrill huge crowds all over the world with the Foo Fighters. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2022 The online giant is rolling out a series of deals that should thrill users, including markdowns on gaming controllers, activewear, and outdoor string lights to leave your backyard glowing. Elizabeth Djinis, SELF, 11 July 2022 The show is asking its audience to thrill to Giuliani’s aura of scandal and intrigue. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 20 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English thirlen, thrillen to pierce, from Old English thyrlian, from thyrel hole, from thurh through — more at through entry 1