enthuse

[ en-thooz ]

verb (used without object)

, en·thused, en·thus·ing.

1. to be or become enthusiastic; show enthusiasm:

   All the neighbors enthused over the new baby.

verb (used with object)

, en·thused, en·thus·ing.

1. to cause to become enthusiastic.

enthuse

/ ɪnˈθjuːz /

verb

1. to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm

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.

Other Words From

• quasi-en·thused adjective
• unen·thused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthuse¹

1820–30, Americanism; back formation from enthusiasm

Example Sentences

"I had basically given up. Somebody called and there it was at the top of the tree! It was a great relief to see it," he enthused.

From BBC

"Neil is going to teach me some stuff today," Adam, who only started coming to Men's Shed two weeks ago, enthuses.

From BBC

Many of those voters were not necessarily enthused about the choices at the top of the ticket, the poll showed.

From Los Angeles Times

Sparks's fans agree — a recent Goodreads review enthuses that "The snot bubbles were bubbling the entire time I was reading this book."

From Salon

“Maybe I’m being conceited, but I believe we may have stumbled into a new sound,” he enthuses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arouse
• bring about
• cause
• elicit
• galvanize
• generate
• incite
• induce
• inflame
• inspire
• instigate
• kindle
• lead to
• motivate
• precipitate
• prompt
• stir