v. U.S. (colloq. or humorous.) [An ignorant back-formation from ENTHUSIASM.] a. trans. To kindle with enthusiasm. b. intr. To grow enthusiastic; to go into ecstasies.
1869. Ohio newspaper, in N. & Q., Ser. IV. IV. 512. The only Democrat whose nomination … could enthuse the Democracy of Ohio.
1872. Lytton, Parisians, II. viii. The American … whispered … ‘I am not without a kinkle that you will be enthused.’
1881. Grant, Confess. Frivolous Girl, iv. 180. I admit he began to enthuse a little.
1887. H. P. Kimball, in Pall Mall Gaz., 22 June, 5/1. I don’t get enthused at all, sir, over all this Greek business.
