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

1. an almost pleasurable sensation of fright
   • a frisson of surprise shot through him