Overenthusiasms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An excessive amount of enthusiasm or eagerness that can sometimes lead to overwhelming responses or actions
2. A state of being overly excited or enthusiastic, often resulting in exuberant behavior or expressions
3. An extreme or exaggerated display of enthusiasm, typically viewed as being excessive or unrestrained

Etymology: "Overenthusiasms" is the plural of "overenthusiasm," a noun formed from the prefix "over-" attached to "enthusiasm." The prefix means excessive or beyond the proper measure, so the combined word denotes enthusiasm carried past what is reasonable. Its plural form counts separate instances of such excessive excitement, as in a person's several bursts of unrestrained zeal. The base word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek "enthousiasmos," meaning possession by a god, which in turn grows from "entheos," meaning having a god within. Early English uses of "enthusiasm" carried a strong sense of religious frenzy and self-deluded inspiration before softening into ordinary eagerness. Adding "over-" to that eagerness is a straightforward compound, so the word's history is largely the history of its root.

Synonyms: excessive enthusiasm, zealousness, fervor

Antonyms: apathy, indifference