Frisson
n.joyful, energeticliterary
What it means
A sudden pleasurable thrill of excitement.
Reach for it when naming a brief pleasurable shiver of excitement or anticipation
A frisson of anticipation passed through the opening-night audience.
Choose between these
6- playful
rush
intense excitement arrives quickly
not when Rush is stronger and can suggest risk-seeking.
- everyday
general positive arousal is enough
not when Excitement lacks frisson's brevity and delicacy.
- everyday
a sudden rush of excitement is plain and central
not when Thrill can last longer and need not have a bodily shiver.
- warm
tingle
a light bodily sensation accompanies anticipation
not when Tingle can be medical or tactile without emotion.
- literary
shiver
the physical sensation matters most
not when A shiver may come from cold or fear rather than pleasure.
- literary
a small moment ignites interest or attraction
not when Spark is figurative and may begin something lasting.
Said against
3- flatness
- boredom
- numbness
It naturally appears in
3- frisson of excitement
A frisson of excitement moved through the audience.
- feel a frisson
She could feel a frisson before the curtain rose.
- brief frisson
A brief frisson followed the unexpected chord.