enthusiasm

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a lively interest

   Enthusiasm for the program is growing.

2. 2
   noun

   An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.

   Try to curb your enthusiasm.

3. 3
   noun

   Something in which one is keenly interested.

   My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.

4. 4
   noun

   Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.

   The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.

5. 5
   noun

   overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval

6. 6
   noun

   a feeling of excitement

Etymology

First attested from 1603, from Middle French enthousiasme, from Late Latin enthusiasmus, from Ancient Greek ἐνθουσιασμός (enthousiasmós), from ἐν (en, “in”) + θεός (theós, “god”) + οὐσία (ousía, “essence”).