enthuse
[ en-thooz ]
/ ɛnˈθuz /
|
verb (used without object), en·thused, en·thus·ing.
to be or become enthusiastic; show enthusiasm: All the neighbors enthused over the new baby.
verb (used with object), en·thused, en·thus·ing.
to cause to become enthusiastic.
Nearby words
Origin of enthuse
Related formsqua·si-en·thused, adjectiveun·en·thused, adjective
Usage note
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for enthuses
As he enthuses, jokes and extemporizes, it is obvious why he found success as a comedian and performer.
He who attracts and enthuses can for a time command attention.
Seed Thoughts for Singers|Frank Herbert TubbsAs a public reader, Miss Brown delights and enthuses her audiences.
British Dictionary definitions for enthuses
enthuse
/ (ɪnˈθjuːz) /
verb
to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for enthuses
enthuse
1827, American English, back-formation from enthusiasm. Originally often humorous or with affected ignorance. Related: enthused; enthusing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper