passion

pas·sion

noun \ˈpa-shən\

Definition of PASSION

1

often capitalized a : the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b : an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion

2

obsolete : suffering

3

: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces

4

a (1) : emotion <his ruling passion is greed> (2) plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c : an outbreak of anger

5

a : ardent affection : love b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest

— pas·sion·less\-ləs\ adjective

Examples of PASSION

1. Everyone could see the passion in his approach to the work.
2. a controversy that has stirred passions in Congress
3. Her performance is full of passion and originality.
4. She spoke with passion about preserving the building.
5. The crime was committed in a fit of passion.
6. Music has always been his passion.
7. She developed a passion for opera.
8. a student with a passion for literature

Origin of PASSION

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion-, passio suffering, being acted upon, from Latin pati to suffer — more at patient

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PASSION

Synonyms: affection, attachment, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love

Antonyms: abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor

Related Words: appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, taste; craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning; ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal; appreciation, esteem, estimation, regard, respect; adoration, adulation, deification, idolatry, idolization, worship; allegiance, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness

Near Antonyms: allergy, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, disfavor, dislike, enmity, hostility; abhorrence, disgust, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; misanthropy

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Synonym Discussion of PASSION

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable <was a slave to his passions>. fervor implies a warm and steady emotion <read the poem aloud with great fervor>. ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived <the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded>. enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity <never showed much enthusiasm for sports>. zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause <preaches with fanatical zeal>.

Rhymes with PASSION

ashen, fashion, ration

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