Horripilate meaning

Horripilate means to experience a sudden feeling of horror or anxiety.


Horripilate definitions

Word backwards etalipirroh
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "horripilate" is a verb.
Syllabic division hor-rip-i-late
Plural The plural of the word horripilate is horripilates.
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) o,i,a,e
Consonants (5) h,r,p,l,t

Understanding Horripilate

Horripilate is a term used to describe the physiological response of getting goosebumps or experiencing the hair on your skin standing up. This reaction is often triggered by various stimuli, such as fear, cold temperatures, excitement, or even music.

What Causes Horripilation?

When you experience horripilation, your body's sympathetic nervous system is activated. This causes the arrector pili muscles at the base of each hair follicle to contract, making the hair stand up. The purpose of this response is to trap air and create an insulation layer, helping to retain heat in cold conditions or make the body appear larger in moments of fear.

Connection to Emotions

Horripilation is often associated with strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or awe. The body's natural reaction to these heightened emotional states can manifest through the physical response of goosebumps. Similarly, listening to music that evokes strong emotions can also trigger this reaction.

Horripilation and Evolution

This response, believed to have evolutionary origins, may have served as a way to make early humans appear larger when faced with threats. The raised hair would have made individuals seem more intimidating to potential predators or rivals.

Can Horripilation Be Controlled?

While horripilation is a natural response, it can sometimes be controlled through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, or exposure therapy for those who experience it as a result of anxiety or fear. However, in most cases, it is a reflexive response beyond conscious control.

In Conclusion

Horripilation is a fascinating physiological response that reflects our evolutionary past and the complex interplay between our emotions and physical body. Understanding this phenomenon can provide insight into our shared human experiences and the ways in which our bodies react to the world around us.


Horripilate Examples

  1. The chilling horror movie caused her to horripilate with fear.
  2. The eerie sounds in the haunted house made him horripilate.
  3. As he listened to the ghost story, goosebumps began to horripilate on his arms.
  4. The sudden cold breeze made her horripilate despite the warm weather.
  5. The creepy clown's appearance was enough to make anyone horripilate.
  6. The sight of the spider caused her to horripilate with disgust.
  7. The mysterious figure in the dark alley made him horripilate with unease.
  8. The bone-chilling scream made everyone horripilate in fear.
  9. The ghostly apparition made the hairs on the back of his neck horripilate.
  10. The ominous warning from the psychic made her horripilate with anticipation.


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  • Updated 07/05/2024 - 12:13:35