enthuse

verb

en·​thuse in-ˈthüz 

en-,

 also  -ˈthyüz

enthused; enthusing

transitive verb

1

: to make enthusiastic

is enthused about the project

2

: to express with enthusiasm

intransitive verb

: to show enthusiasm

a splendid performance, and I was enthusing over it

—Julian Huxley

Usage of Enthuse

Enthuse is apparently American in origin, although the earliest known example of its use occurs in a letter written in 1827 by a young Scotsman who spent about two years in the Pacific Northwest. It has been disapproved since about 1870. Current evidence shows it to be flourishing nonetheless on both sides of the Atlantic especially in journalistic prose.

Synonyms

• drool
• effuse
• fuss
• gush
• rave
• rhapsodize
• slobber

Examples of enthuse in a Sentence

“This dinner is wonderful!” he enthused.

His presentation failed to enthuse the committee.

Recent Examples on the Web

The manager enthused about the goal contributions of Kai Havertz and a refreshed Gabriel Jesus, along with Leandro Trossard’s menace, after his team enjoyed themselves in a 4-1 win. —Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024

Emma Chamberlain and Lucy Hale are two recent clients who the pair enthuses about working with. —Carole Horst, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024

In a 2019 interview with WWD, Payne enthused about both tracks. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 17 Oct. 2024

When asked about the demolition and rebuild at practice on Thursday, however, the Cowboys quarterback didn't seem all that enthused with the media attention around his teardown and rebuild at the property. —Dan Carson, Chron, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from enthusiasm

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

enthuse

verb

en·​thuse in-ˈth(y)üz 

enthused; enthusing

1

: to make enthusiastic

2

: to show enthusiasm