Enthusiasm | Definition of enthusiasm by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ENTHUSIASM

1

a : belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit

b : religious fanaticism

2

a : strong excitement of feeling : ardor <did her work with energy and enthusiasm>

b : something inspiring zeal or fervor <his enthusiasms include sailing and fishing>

See enthusiasm defined for English-language learners

See enthusiasm defined for kids

Examples of ENTHUSIASM

Hour by hour, minute by minute, Guerrero is a racehorse, sitting upright in a chair, revising copy, clarifying names and places, sprinkling the reports with jokes while a producer talks in her ear—then delivering with breakneck speed and unflagging enthusiasm. —Joel Drucker, Cigar Aficionado, May/June 2003
The Gower has a bewitching effect on my children. Perhaps it is because of having been cooped up in the car for four hours, but once we are negotiating the windy road along this southern Welsh peninsula, they are all gushing with enthusiasm. —Emma Haughton, Times (London), 12 Aug. 2000
Now that he was awake, he couldn't understand how he could have slept through the racket the birds were making. “Oliver,” Harry croaked. “It's the crack of dawn.” “Exactly,” said Wood. He was a tall and burly sixth year and, at the moment, his eyes were gleaming with a crazed enthusiasm. “It's part of our new training program. Come on, grab your broom, and let's go,” said Wood heartily. —J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999
These days, even the wiliest brand-builders are at least a little anxious about the emerging teenage market, with its stylistic balkanization, shifting folkways and unpredictably spiking enthusiasms. —Hal Espen, New York Times Magazine, 21 Mar. 1999
[+]more [-]hide

Origin of ENTHUSIASM

Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be inspired, irregular from entheos inspired, from en- + theos god

First Known Use: 1603

Related to ENTHUSIASM

Synonyms: buzz, chic, craze, dernier cri, fad, fashion, flavor, go, hot ticket, last word, latest, mode, rage, sensation, style, ton, trend, vogue

Antonyms: apathy, indifference

Synonym Discussion of ENTHUSIASM

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable <was a slave to his passions>. fervor implies a warm and steady emotion <read the poem aloud with great fervor>. ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived <the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded>. enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity <never showed much enthusiasm for sports>. zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause <preaches with fanatical zeal>.

Rhymes with ENTHUSIASM

iconoclasm

Definition of ENTHUSIASM for Kids

: strong feeling in favor of something <There were wild shouts of enthusiasm at this suggestion. — E. B. White, Stuart Little>

Learn More About ENTHUSIASM

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "enthusiasm"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "enthusiasm"

Nglish: Translation of "enthusiasm" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "enthusiasm" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: enthusiastPrevious Word in the Dictionary: enthuseAll Words Near: enthusiasm

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up enthusiasm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site