frisson
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A sudden, brief feeling of excitement, fear, or pleasure; a shudder or thrill. It is a physical or emotional shiver, often caused by something startling, awe-inspiring, or emotionally intense.
Usage
The word "frisson" describes a momentary, intense sensation. It is often used to convey a mix of fear and excitement, such as the feeling one gets from a suspenseful story, a surprising revelation, or a powerful piece of music. It is a singular, countable noun.
Examples
- A frisson of fear ran down her spine as she heard the strange noise in the dark house.
- The audience felt a collective frisson when the murderer was revealed in the final scene.
- Listening to the national anthem gave him a patriotic frisson.
- There was a frisson of excitement in the air before the concert began.
Advanced Usage
- To send/send a frisson (through/up/down): This phrase is used to describe something causing the sensation.
- The ghost story sent a frisson through the captivated listeners.
- To feel/experience a frisson of (something): This structure specifies the emotion causing the shiver.
- He felt a frisson of anticipation as he waited for the results.
Variants and Related Words
- Frissons (n): The plural form.
- The novel is full of little frissons of horror.
Synonyms
- Shiver: A slight trembling movement of the body, especially from cold or fear.
- Thrill: A sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.
- Shudder: An act of shuddering, typically as a result of fear or disgust.
- Quiver: A slight trembling movement or sound, often due to strong emotion.
- Tingle: A slight prickling or stinging sensation, often one of excitement.
Idioms and Phrases
While "frisson" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is commonly used in the phrases noted in the "Advanced Usage" section to describe the cause and effect of the sensation.
Noun
- an almost pleasurable sensation of fright
- a frisson of surprise shot through him