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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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enthusesimple
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enthusessimple
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have enthusedperfect
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has enthusedperfect
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am enthusingprogressive
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are enthusingprogressive
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is enthusingprogressive
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have been enthusingperfect progressive
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has been enthusingperfect progressive
Past
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enthusedsimple
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had enthusedperfect
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was enthusingprogressive
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were enthusingprogressive
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had been enthusingperfect progressive
Future
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.
The chip maker’s record first-quarter sales weren’t enough to enthuse investors.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 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's the opportunity to enthuse children while they are young," he added.
From BBC • Oct. 30, 2023
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
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.
