Definition of: enthusiasm

(in·th′zē·az′əm) noun
1. Earnest and fervent feeling; ardent zeal for a person or cause.
2. Archaic Exalted or ecstatic feeling; also, irrational religious ecstasy; divine fury or frenzy; possession.
3. An object of great interest to a person. [<LL enthusiasmus <Gk. enthusiasmos, ult. <entheos, enthous inspired <en- in + theos god] Synonyms: ardor, devotion, eagerness, earnestness, ecstasy, excitement, extravagance, fanaticism, fervency, fervor, frenzy, inspiration, intensity, passion, rapture, transport, vehemence, warmth, zeal. The old meaning of enthusiasm implies a pseudo–inspiration, an almost frantic extravagance in behalf of something supposed to be an expression of the divine will. This sense remains as the controlling one in the kindred noun enthusiast. Enthusiasm has now chiefly the meaning of an earnest and commendable devotion, an intense and eager interest. Zeal is burning earnestness, always tending to vigorous action with all the devotion of enthusiasm, but often without its hopefulness. Compare WARMTH. Antonyms: calculation, calmness, caution, coldness, deadness, dulness, indifference, lukewarmness, policy, prudence, timidity, wariness.