Enthuse

Enthuse is a verb meaning to express or arouse enthusiasm about something, or to excite interest or excitement in others. It can be used transitively, as in “to enthuse the audience about a proposal,” and intransitively, as in “the crowd enthused at the announcement.”

The word is derived from enthusiasm and entered English in the 19th century as a back-formation. It carries connotations of lively, sometimes exuberant praise, and may imply strong positive emotion rather than measured approval.

Usage notes: In modern English, “enthuse” appears more often in British usage; in American English it is less common and may seem informal. The related adjective forms include “enthused” (as in “the audience was enthused”), while formal alternatives include “express enthusiasm” or “be enthusiastic about.”

Examples: “She enthuses about the project, and her energy is contagious.” “The critics enthused about the new play.” “He remains enthused by the prospect of the partnership.”

See also: enthusiasm, enthusiastic, enthusiast, inspire, excite, arouse.