enthusiasm

noun

Etymology: First attested from 1603, from Middle French enthousiasme, from Late Latin enthusiasmus, from Ancient Greek ἐνθουσιασμός (enthousiasmós), from ἐν (en, “in”) + θεός (theós, “god”) + οὐσία (ousía, “essence”).

1. An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.

   “Try to curb your enthusiasm.”

   “They have a great enthusiasm for country music.”

2. Something in which one is keenly interested.

   “My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.”

   “Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits; […]”

3. Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.

   “The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.”