enthuse, v.

1827   in Amer. Speech (1947) 22 286/2   My humble exertions will I trust convey and enthuse, and draw attention to the beautifully varied verdure of N.W. America.

1852   N.Y. Weekly Tribune 24 Jan. 3/2   We were probably not so much ‘enthused’ as they were.

1859   Congress. Globe 16 Feb. 1058/3   They are what they call in the country ‘enthused’—run mad on the subject [of Cuba].

1869   Ohio newspaper in Notes & Queries 4th Ser. 4 512   The only democrat whose nomination could enthuse the democracy of Ohio.

1872   E. Bulwer-Lytton Parisians ii. viii   The American..whispered..‘I am not without a kinkle that you will be enthused’.

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.

1918   E. Wallace Down Under Donovan v. 44   A million francs, think of it! Isn't it sufficient to enthuse a man without a profession?

1964   C. Chaplin My Autobiogr. xxv. 432   The Great Dictator opened..to a glamorous audience who were elated and enthused.

1968   Guardian 13 July 8/6   Edmund Blunden's sudden resignation, in mid-term, has enthused nobody.

1880   R. Grant Confessions Frivolous Girl iv. 180   I admit he began to enthuse a little.

1909   Daily Chron. 27 Oct. 3/3   A little too much of the enthusing forest lover.

1912   W. Owen Let. 22 Sept. (1967) 162   I cannot enthuse over the things as Leslie does.

1938   ‘D. Hume’ Good-bye to Life v. 61   The prospect of a stay at Three Gables was nothing to enthuse about.

1957   Times 11 Nov. 13/3   She enthused rapturously on the advantages of being on the telephone.