frisson.

A sudden brief thrill or shiver of strong emotion.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• a frisson of fear
• a frisson of excitement
• send a frisson through

On the page

A frisson of fear passed through the audience when the lights went out.

She felt a frisson of excitement at the forbidden doorway.

The whispered name sent a small frisson through their otherwise sober conversation.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Often mixes excitement with fear, anticipation, or delight; not a synonym for prolonged terror. Literary or polished register. Count noun. Count plural: frissons.