enthuse
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Usage
The verb enthuse is a 19th-century back formation from the noun enthusiasm. Originally an Americanism, enthuse is now standard and well established in the speech and all but the most formal writing of educated persons, in both Britain and the United States. It is used as a transitive verb meaning “to cause to become enthusiastic” ( The liveliness of the dance enthused the audience ) and as an intransitive verb meaning “to show enthusiasm” ( She enthused warmly over his performance ). Despite its long history and frequent occurrence, however, enthuse is still strongly disapproved of by many.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of enthuse
1820–30, back formation from enthusiasm
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His presence campaigning can enthuse his true-blue supporters.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
While some tech enthusiasts enthuse about AI’s potential benefits, others fear job losses and safety issues.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024
It expects him to be a grander figure, a talisman who will gladden the jaded and enthuse audiences the orchestra has yet to enthuse.
From New York Times • May 13, 2023
From the world-famous Keukenhof garden in the Netherlands to the magical bluebell Hallerbos forest in Belgium, they are out there again, almost on cue to enthrall, enthuse and soothe the mind.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023
Meanwhile, those same gossipers will have found yet some other newcomer about whom to enthuse.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
