enthusiasm

n.

1. Ardent zeal

   fervor, zeal, ardor, interest, passion, vehemence, eagerness, zealousness, earnestness, fanaticism, frenzy, intensity, feeling, zest, keenness, vim, energy, activity, ardency, ecstasy, craze, mania, vivacity, impetuosity, fever, fieriness, élan, excitement, vigor, verve, furor, spirit, flare, rapture, heat, relish, gusto, vitality, animation, brio (Italian), alacrity, avidity, transport, joy, emotion, warmth, exhilaration, exuberance, joie de vivre (French), glow, rage, devotion, fury, fullness of heart, fire, life, go*, snap*, pep*, zip*, dash*. *

   Antonyms dullness*, weariness*, ennui. *

2. Something arousing interest or zeal

   craze, fad, passion, interest; see fad.

enthusiasm implies strongly favorable feelings for an object or cause and usually suggests eagerness in the pursuit of something her enthusiasm for golf; zeal implies intense enthusiasm for an object or cause, usually as displayed in vigorous and untiring activity in its support a zeal for reform; passion usually implies a strong emotion that has an overpowering or compelling effect his passions overcame his reason; a passion for music; fervor and ardor both imply emotion of burning intensity, fervor suggesting a constant glow of feeling religious fervor, and ardor, a restless, flamelike emotion the ardors of youth