Also 7–8 exhileration. [ad. late L. exhilarātiōn-em, n. of action f. exhilarāre to EXHILARATE.]
1. The action or means of exhilarating; a cheering or enlivening influence.
1623–6. Cockeram, Exhileration.
1629. J. Maxwell, trans. Herodian (1635), 301. To use all … exhilarations for joy of the gods wedding.
1792. V. Knox, Serm., xi. 247. This remedy … enlivens … by an unnatural exhilaration.
1864. Longf., Falc. Ser. Feder., 139. There was … that wild exhilaration in the air.
2. The condition or feeling of being exhilarated.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 721. Exhilaration hath some Affinity with Joy.
1800. T. Cogan, Philos. Treat. Passions, I. ii. 63. Every species of torpor is subdued, an exhilaration succeeds.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xxiv. A bill of fare that might kindle exhilaration in the breast of a misanthrope.
1875. Hamerton, Intell. Life, X. v. 388. The feeling of … exhilaration will last for several hours.
