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to horripilate

to horripilate

9.9
To have the hair on your skin stand up and get goosebumps because of fear, cold, or excitement
  • verb
  • /hɔːˈrɪpɪˌleɪt/
  • Archaic
: horripilarse
  • He horripilated when he saw the ghost.

Examples

  • Many animals horripilate when threatened as a form of defense.

  • The chilly wind made her skin horripilate during the morning walk.

  • Whenever he watched horror movies alone, he would horripilate uncontrollably.

  • The sudden noise made her horripilate.

  • The sudden roar of the lion made everyone horripilate in fear.

  • The frigid air caused her to horripilate as she stepped outside.

  • Hearing the thunderclap made the children horripilate in excitement.

Synonyms

to make hair stand up
vsto horripilate
  • Informal
5.3

Cause a strong fear or surprise that gives you goosebumps

is an involuntary physical reaction of body hairs rising from fear, cold, or excitement

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To feel less nervous and more calm

How Hair-Raising

to horripilate
  • Archaic
9.9
to make hair stand up
  • Informal
5.3
to prickle
4 4.0

Surface Forms

horripilate infinitive
horripilated past participle
horripilating present participle
horripilates third person singular

Etymology

Horripilate comes from Latin parts horr- 'to shudder' and pilus 'hair', the same root you see in horror. So, when you horripilate, your hair stands up from fear, cold, or strong feeling.