Why is fusion another name for melting?

[Harjas Sabharwal 1G]

I was curious why fusion and melting mean the same thing with regard to ΔH_fus? Fusion and melting seem almost the opposite of each other seeing as how when something melts, some of the bonds in the solid break apart.

[Abel Thomas 2C]

It may have to do with the fact the etymology of the word fusion comes from the Latin "fundere" which means "melting together".

[Nancy Dinh 2J]

You could also think about it in terms of the intermolecular bonds. In the gas phase, the molecules are too far apart to have any effect on each other but in the liquid phase, the molecules form intermolecular bonds that more or less hold the molecules together, thereby "fusing" them in a way.

[Janet Nguyen 2H]

It may have to do with the fact the etymology of the word fusion comes from the Latin "fundere" which means "melting together".

I think this is correct. That's what my TA said during discussion

[Justin Folk 3I]

You might also be able to think of it as fusion being the heat it takes to put together, which is the reverse and equal in absolute value to the heat it takes to break apart?