Definition

1. Noun:
   • A work of fiction, such as a novel, play, or film, that is designed to create a strong feeling of excitement, suspense, and anticipation in the audience. It typically involves a plot centered on danger, crime, or espionage, where the protagonist faces a series of threatening situations.

Usage

• The word "thriller" is used to categorize a specific genre of entertainment. It describes a story whose primary purpose is to thrill the audience.
• It is commonly used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • That new spy thriller kept me on the edge of my seat.
  • She is a bestselling author who writes psychological thrillers.
  • The film festival featured a special category for crime thrillers.

Advanced Usage

• "Page-turner thriller": A thriller novel that is so exciting it compels the reader to keep turning pages quickly.
  • His latest book is a real page-turner thriller.
• "Political thriller": A sub-genre where the suspense and plot revolve around political power, intrigue, or conspiracy.
  • The movie is a gripping political thriller about an assassination plot.

Variants and Related Words

• Thrill (verb/noun): To cause a sudden wave of excitement; a feeling of excitement.
  • The roller coaster thrilled the riders. (verb)
  • She felt a thrill of anticipation. (noun)
• Thrilling (adjective): Causing excitement and pleasure.
  • We watched a thrilling final match.

Synonyms

• Suspense story: A narrative that builds tension and uncertainty.
• Chiller: Informal term for a story that thrills or frightens.
• Mystery: A story involving an unknown event, often a crime, that needs to be solved. (Note: A mystery focuses on solving a puzzle, while a thriller focuses on creating suspense and imminent danger.)

Related Phrases

• "A spine-tingling thriller": A thriller that causes a shiver of fear or excitement down one's spine.
  • The director is known for his spine-tingling thrillers.
• "A thriller of a book/movie": Used to emphasize that a book or movie is an excellent example of the thriller genre.
  • It was a thriller of a movie, with non-stop action.

Idioms

• "A real thriller": Used informally to describe any event or situation that is very exciting and suspenseful, not just a story.
  • The championship game was a real thriller, going into double overtime.

Noun

1. a suspenseful adventure story or play or movie