enthuse
[en-thooz]
- to be or become enthusiastic; show enthusiasm: All the neighbors enthused over the new baby.
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- to cause to become enthusiastic.
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Origin of enthuse
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. 2018
Related Words
thrillfazeexcitetouchaffectaweswayinspirepromptstirincitemotivateinducegenerateinflameelicitarousegalvanizekindleprecipitateExamples from the Web for enthuses
Contemporary Examples
As he enthuses, jokes and extemporizes, it is obvious why he found success as a comedian and performer.
Historical Examples
As a public reader, Miss Brown delights and enthuses her audiences.
He who attracts and enthuses can for a time command attention.
Seed Thoughts for SingersFrank Herbert Tubbs
enthuse
- to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm
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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
v.
1827, American English, back-formation from enthusiasm. Originally often humorous or with affected ignorance. Related: enthused; enthusing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper