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

Kumar says they are enthused by the growth opportunity presented by Bacha and TWG. —Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Harris’ rise appears to be enthusing even grassroots activists who came out in force in the last few weeks to defend Biden. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024

Analysts are cautiously optimistic on the company’s recovery timeline, but enthused by its second-quarter earnings beat that reflected a pickup in leasing activity and strong core operations. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 July 2024

Occasionally dipping into rudimentary Czech, which pleased the crowd no end, Mortensen thanked his co-star Vicky Krieps and also took the time to enthuse about Solly McLeod, an up-and-coming young actor who plays the film’s bad guy. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 June 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