the word 'thrill' originates from the middle english 'thrillen', which meant 'to pierce or penetrate'. this verb is thought to be an alteration of the old english 'þȳrlian', meaning 'to perforate', itself derived from 'þyrel', meaning 'hole'. the semantic evolution from a physical piercing to an intense emotional sensation is a classic example of metaphorical extension, where a physical feeling is used to describe a powerful psychological experience. the modern sense of a sudden wave of excitement emerged by the 16th century, capturing the feeling of being metaphorically 'pierced' by a sharp emotion.

the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the middle english verb 'thrillen', meaning 'to pierce, penetrate'.