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The bristling of hair on the skin, typically due to cold, fear, or excitement.
synonyms:goosebumpspiloerection
Derived from the Latin word 'horripilare', which means 'to bristle with horror', combining 'horrere' (to shudder) and 'pilus' (hair).
Everyday use, often in contexts related to physical reactions to emotions or temperature.
Though it's a fascinating term, 'horripilation' is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it relatively obscure.
As she stepped into the haunted house, a wave of horripilation washed over her.
The eerie music gave him horripilation, making his skin crawl.
In the cold winter air, I felt horripilation as I walked outside without a coat.
Horripilation is a term that might not come up in daily chatter, but it's a fun way to describe that prickly sensation when your hair stands on end. Originating from Latin, it perfectly captures the body's involuntary response to fear or chill. Though you might experience it during a scary movie or on a brisk day, the word itself adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise common experience. So the next time you're feeling a bit spooked or shivery, you can impress your friends with this unique word!