a feeling of excitement
"The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable as the band took the stage."
overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval
"The crowd cheered with enthusiastic applause as their favorite team scored the winning goal."
Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
"The poet claimed that his sudden burst of creative energy was not merely passion, but possession by a god."
In plain English: Enthusiasm is having really strong excitement and energy about something you love doing.
"Her enthusiasm for the new project was clearly contagious."
Usage: Use this term to describe intense excitement and eager interest in an activity, rather than the archaic meaning of being possessed by a deity. It functions as both a countable noun for specific instances of passion and an uncountable concept referring to general zeal.
The word "enthusiasm" entered English in 1603 via Middle French and Late Latin. It originally described a state of being possessed by the essence or spirit of a god.