n.
Pronunciation: in- ' thü-z ē - ˌ a-z ə m, en-, also - ' thyü-
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be inspired, irregular from entheos inspired, from en- + theos god
Date: 1603
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 enthusiasm s include sailing and fishing>
synonyms see PASSION