“The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous [vɝˈtɪdʒənəs] jaunt [dʒɔnt] along a narrow sliver of crag. Those who fear heights, like me, typically avoid it.” — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025

vertiginous
adj [vɝˈtɪdʒənəs]

Vertiginous is a formal adjective used to describe something that causes or is likely to cause a feeling of dizziness especially because of great height.

jaunt [dʒɔnt]: a short excursion or journey for pleasure

...from the Latin adjective vertiginosus, which in turn comes from the Latin noun vertigo, meaning “a turning or whirling action.” Both words descend from the Latin verb vertere, meaning “to turn.”

English