'exhilarate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exhilarare,' where 'ex-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'hilarare' meant 'to make cheerful.'

'exhilarare' transformed into the Old French word 'exhilarer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exhilarate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make cheerful or merry,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make someone feel very happy and excited.'