Definition of exhilarate

The word "exhilarate" originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word "exhilarāre," meaning "to cheer up" or "to make joyful." Its direct ancestor in English is the Middle English word "elaten," which meant "to lift up" or "to exalt." The word "exhilarate" has found its way into modern English, thanks to the Old French, who adapted the Latin word into "exhilarer" during the Middle Ages. This French version of the Latin word entered the English language through Anglo-Norman French, an intermediate French dialect spoken in medieval England. Over time, the meaning of the word "exhilarate" has evolved to encompass a broader range of emotions, including feelings of excitement, utter joy, and a sense of being filled with life. The Oxford English Dictionary defines "exhilarate" as: "To fill with exhilaration; to make cheerful and full of pleasant excitement or animation (chiefly of the mind or feelings); to elate." In summary, the word "exhilarate" can be traced back to its Latin roots, and its meaning has expanded to represent a feeling of jubilation and cheerfulness amid life's pleasurable experiences.