empresser

The French verb "empresser" means to hurry, to be eager or keen to do something, or to show enthusiasm or willingness.

Meaning and usage:

• S’empresser de (faire quelque chose): This expression means "to be quick to do something" or "to rush to do something," often with eagerness or enthusiasm.
  Example: Elle s’est empressée de répondre à la lettre. (She quickly/eagerly replied to the letter.)

• More generally, empresser quelqu'un means to be attentive or eager towards someone, showing readiness to please or serve. This usage, however, is less common nowadays and can sound a bit formal or old-fashioned.

Synonyms and differences:

• Se dépêcher: Also means to hurry or rush but without necessarily implying eagerness or enthusiasm.
  Il s’est dépêché de partir. (He hurried to leave.)
  vs.
  Il s’est empressé de partir. (He eagerly hastened to leave.)

• Se hâter: Formal or literary synonym for "to hurry," often without the nuance of enthusiasm.

• Se précipiter: Means to rush or plunge into doing something, often implying haste or impatience.

• Se empresser: Implies quickness motivated by eagerness, politeness, or good will.

Summary:

• empresser = hurry eagerly or be keen/eager to do something
• Often used reflexively: s’empresser de + infinitive
• Formally, can mean to attend to or show willingness toward someone

Using "empresser" instead of just "se dépêcher" gives a nuance of enthusiasm or politeness in the action.