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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
translation icon : 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.