enthusiasm Hear it!

enthusiasm definition

en·thu·si·asm (en t̸ho̵̅o̅′zē az′əm, -t̸hyo̵̅o̅′-; in-)

noun

  1. Historical supernatural inspiration or possession; inspired prophetic or poetic ecstasy
  2. Obsolete religious fanaticism
  3. intense or eager interest; zeal; fervor
  4. something arousing such interest or zeal

Etymology: Gr enthousiasmos < enthousiazein, to be inspired, be possessed by a god, inspire < enthous, entheos, possessed by a god < en-, in + theos, god: see theo-

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.