thrill-seeker

thrill-seeker — noun

1. someone who enjoys doing dangerous sports or risky physical activities because t

1.nounB2
Definition

someone who enjoys doing dangerous sports or risky physical activities because the excitement matters more to them than the possible danger.

Example

Jude is a thrill-seeker who loves rock climbing without ropes.

relative clause: a thrill-seeker who...

The canyon jump was perfect for thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable rush.

Synonyms
  • daredevil

    stronger emphasis on showing off or defying danger for fun; slightly more dramatic tone

  • adventurer

    broader meaning — includes any exploration or new experience, not necessarily physically dangerous

  • risk-taker

    more general — applies to financial, social, or career risks, not just physical ones

  • adrenaline junkie

    informal synonym; focuses on the physical rush rather than the activity itself

Antonyms
  • cautious person

    someone who avoids danger and thinks carefully before acting

Usage Note

Can imply admiration for someone's courage or mild criticism for their recklessness, depending on context.

Common Mistakes

Lucía is a thrill-seeker who enjoys reading about ancient history.
Lucía is a thrill-seeker who goes bungee jumping on weekends.
thrill-seeker specifically refers to enjoying physically risky activities, not general curiosity or adventure.
He is a thrill-seeker with his investments in the stock market.
He is a thrill-seeker who skis down untouched mountain slopes.
the word applies to physical danger, not financial or emotional risk-taking.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all describe people who accept or seek out danger, but they differ in scope and connotation. A daredevil does risky stunts partly for the admiration of others — the word implies a show-off quality. An adventurer is much broader: someone who explores new places or tries new experiences, whether physically dangerous or not. Risk-taker is the most general, covering any domain — financial, social, career, or physical. Adrenaline junkie is the most informal option and focuses on the bodily rush rather than the activity itself. For example, a thrill-seeker might climb a frozen waterfall for the adrenaline, while an adventurer might travel through a remote jungle out of curiosity, and a risk-taker might quit their job to start a company without savings.

daredevil ↗adventurer ↗risk-takeradrenaline junkie

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • born thrill-seeker
  • real thrill-seeker
  • thrill-seeker at heart

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

A compound word formed in the 20th century from 'thrill' (an excited, scary feeling) and 'seeker' (someone who looks for something). 'Thrill' comes from Old English 'þyrlian' meaning 'to pierce,' and its modern sense of excited fear appeared in the 1700s.