emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

a

: a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body

b

: a state of feeling

c

: the affective aspect of consciousness : feeling

2

a

: excitement

b

obsolete : disturbance

Synonyms

• chord
• feeling
• passion
• sentiment

Choose the Right Synonym for emotion

feeling, emotion, affection, sentiment, passion mean a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation.

feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Examples of emotion in a Sentence

a display of raw emotion

The defendant showed no emotion when the verdict was read.

She was overcome with emotion at the news of her friend's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether captured directly speaking or in voiceover, Byamba cracks with vulnerable emotion, leaving the determined posturing shown in her crusades behind. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 30 Apr. 2024

Try to come up with your own statement, and make sure to tap into your emotions while building this concrete statement. —Ali Aksu, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2024

As prosecutors made their announcement, Kelly could be seen hanging his head and appeared to be overcome with emotion. —Armando Garcia, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2024

Keep your emotions contained and your mind on your pursuits. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2024

Months later, the 67-year-old Staten Island native — who still can’t look at his mother's photos without becoming overwhelmed with emotion — was also declared dead, ABC7 New York reported. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024

As fans raised their arms in exaltation, the Hollywood actors' crumpled under the emotion. —Jennifer McClellan, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

While sad emotions are inevitable, Malone said the spirit of the event will be celebratory. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2024

Surviving Toxic Workplaces: How Fear Keeps Us Trapped and What to Do About It Fear is a powerful emotion that can significantly influence our decision-making processes and actions. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from emouvoir to stir up, from Old French esmovoir, from Latin emovēre to remove, displace, from e- + movēre to move

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

: strong feeling : excitement

2

: a mental reaction (as anger or fear) marked by strong feeling and usually causing physical effects

Medical Definition

emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

: the affective aspect of consciousness

2

: a state of feeling

3

: a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body compare affect

emotional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

emotionality

-ˌmō-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

plural emotionalities

emotionally

-ˈmō-shnə-lē, -shən-ᵊl-ē 

adverb