enthuse

verb

en·​thuse in-ˈthüz 

en-,

 also  -ˈthyüz

enthused; enthusing

transitive verb

1

: to make enthusiastic

is enthused about the project

2

: to express with enthusiasm

intransitive verb

: to show enthusiasm

a splendid performance, and I was enthusing over it

—Julian Huxley

Usage of Enthuse

Enthuse is apparently American in origin, although the earliest known example of its use occurs in a letter written in 1827 by a young Scotsman who spent about two years in the Pacific Northwest. It has been disapproved since about 1870. Current evidence shows it to be flourishing nonetheless on both sides of the Atlantic especially in journalistic prose.

Synonyms

• drool
• effuse
• fuss
• gush
• rave
• rhapsodize
• slobber

Examples of enthuse in a Sentence

“This dinner is wonderful!” he enthused.

His presentation failed to enthuse the committee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ducks coach Greg Cronin has heaped praise on the young pivot, while he and Carlsson have been enthused by the resurgent play of Zegras. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 14 Apr. 2024

Ho, who was not directly involved with the Species Action Plan, is enthused by its launch. —Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024

He was initially enthused by the Rastafarian concept of locs and their spiritual significance, finding meaning behind the now-popular hairdo. —Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024

There is also speculation over how the forward’s presence will improve or upset the team’s dynamic, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti enthused by the squad’s chemistry even without the galáctico. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from enthusiasm

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

enthuse

verb

en·​thuse in-ˈth(y)üz 

enthused; enthusing

1

: to make enthusiastic

2

: to show enthusiasm