-üzēˌazəm sometimes -zēəzəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be inspired, from entheos, enthous inspired, from en- en- (II) + -theos, -thous (from theos god) — more at the-
1. archaic : inspiration by a god or other superhuman power : divine possession or frenzy
2. archaic : a state of impassioned emotion : exaltation of feelings : transport , ecstasy ; especially : excessive or extravagant display of religious emotion
conservative churchmen frowned on the enthusiasm and mystical tendency of his sermons
3.
a. : strong excitement of feeling on behalf of a cause or a subject : ardent zeal or interest : fervor
supported the party's candidate with enthusiasm
the play aroused his enthusiasm
b. : something that inspires or is pursued or regarded with ardent zeal or fervor
his enthusiasm is sailing
the great literary realists were his enthusiasms
Synonyms: see passion