frisson etymology

Etymology:

  • French, meaning "thrill," "shiver," or "goosebumps"
  • Derived from Old French friçon, meaning "rubbing" or "friction"
  • Ultimately from Vulgar Latin fricāre, meaning "to rub"

Meaning:

Frisson is a pleasurable feeling of excitement, typically induced by something awe-inspiring, moving, or frightening. It is often described as a tingling sensation on the skin, accompanied by goosebumps.

Origin:

The term was first used in its English sense in the 18th century. It originally denoted the shivering sensation caused by cold or fear but gradually came to refer to the more pleasant experiences associated with it.

Frisson is believed to be an evolutionary response to external stimuli that trigger the release of neurochemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin, which produce feelings of pleasure and reward. These stimuli can include:

  • Music
  • Art and literature
  • Religious or spiritual experiences
  • Nature
  • Social interactions
  • Physical sensations, such as cold water or a massage

Frisson is often associated with moments of intense joy, wonder, or awe, and can serve as a bonding experience between individuals who share the same emotional response.

frisson relate terms

  • shiver

    Etymology Old English sciferian meaning to tremble shake Proto Germanic skifranan I

  • chill

    Etymology The word chill comes from Middle English chillen which in turn derives fr

  • quiver

    Etymology Middle English quivre quiveer borrowed from Old French cuivre from Late L

  • shrive

    Etymology The word shrive comes from an Old English word scrīfan which means to c

  • fare

    Etymology The word fare comes from the Old English word fær which means a journey

  • fear

    Etymology Fear derives from the Middle English word fere meaning sudden fright or

  • thrill

    Etymology The word thrill is derived from the Old English word þrillan which means

  • fright

    Etymology of Fright Origin Old English fyrhto nominative singular Meaning Fear t

  • persuasion

    Etymology Latin persuadere to persuade convince induce Proto Indo European per

  • tribulation

    Etymology From Late Latin tribulationem oppression trouble from Latin tribulum