Thrill
Excitement's narrower, risk- or adrenaline-specific variant.
pleasanthigh activation
How it shows up
Thrill tends to show up in moments of chosen risk: a rollercoaster drop, a steep ski run, a stage entrance, a near miss that turns out fine. It brings a surge of arousal, a widening of the eyes, and sometimes laughter. Some people seek it out for the intensity of feeling fully alert. Its tie to risk, speed, or adrenaline is what narrows it within the broader family of excitement.
How it differs from Excitement
Excitement covers any eager anticipation; thrill is its narrower form, tied specifically to risk, speed, or an adrenaline rush.
Notice
Notice which kinds of risk feel thrilling to you, and which simply feel frightening.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, stomach and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.