tingle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an almost pleasurable sensation of fright
  2. noun a somatic sensation as from many tiny prickles
  3. verb cause a stinging or tingling sensation

Etymology

From Middle English tinglen, of uncertain origin. Possibly from Middle English tingen (“to tink”) + -len, equivalent to ting + -le. Alternatively, possibly a variant of Middle English tinclen (“to tinkle”) or from Old English tinclian (“to tickle”). More at tinkle. Compare also West Frisian tingelje (“to tinkle”), Dutch tingelen (“to tinkle, jingle”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

frisson, shiver, chill, quiver, shudder, thrill

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