passion

noun

pas·sion | \ 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 Bach's St. Matthew Passion

2 obsolete : suffering

3 : the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces moldable and not moldable … and many other passions of matter— Francis Bacon

4a(1) : emotion his ruling passion is greed

(2) passions plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason a study of the passions

b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction with enough passion to make a great poet— W. B. Yeats

c : an outbreak of anger a crime of passion

5a : ardent affection : love He had never felt such passion for any woman but her.

b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept a passion for chess a passion for opera

c : sexual desire a look of passion in her face

d : an object of desire or deep interest

Other Words from passion Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about passion

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

synonyms see in addition feeling

Examples of passion in a Sentence

If anyone had asked me what my passions were, I would have said building fires, climbing cliffs, going on long hikes in the woods … — Paul Theroux, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2001 The gods themselves had passions and frailties—these are the stuff of the myths. — James Salter, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 1997 The skin is dry and as chaste and beautiful as old paper. But I remember the passion inspired by those fingers, their gifted, sly, infinitely provocative caresses and gestures. — Richard Selzer, Discover, February 1994 Polo was the Khan's passion. He cared for little else, and when his armies moved, he moved with them, because he couldn't stand to be without the game. — Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994 Everyone could see the passion in his approach to the work. a controversy that has stirred passions in Congress Her performance is full of passion and originality. She spoke with passion about preserving the building. The crime was committed in a fit of passion. Music has always been his passion. She developed a passion for opera. a student with a passion for literature

Recent Examples on the Web

Star Wars collecting became a hobby, then a passion, then a worldwide industry with insurance policies protecting collections worth millions and collectors chasing the rarest and most elusive pieces. — Alexander Huls, Popular Mechanics, "The Great Star Wars Heist," 7 Mar. 2019 Because of its incredible passion and power, Scorpio is often mistaken for a fire sign. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "Each Zodiac Sign's Unique Personality Traits, Explained by an Astrologer," 28 Oct. 2018 From his first game in 2001 at age 19, TP has impressed and inspired us - day-after-day, game-after-game, season-after-season - with his passion, dedication and desire. — Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, "Spurs legend Tony Parker agrees to sign with Hornets," 6 July 2018 The best thing about the World Cup, other than its passion, is its famous unpredictability. — Nick Canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Can soccer ever be in the Big Three?," 2 July 2018 To say that passions run deep on this is like saying Brazilians have a passing interest in football. — The Economist, "The obstacles on Macedonia’s road to the EU," 28 June 2018 Elsewhere on the album, Taylor sings of her husband with tenderness and passion, with the latter sometimes overflowing to an uncomfortable degree. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "Teyana Taylor’s Music Has Matured, but Has Her Label?," 25 June 2018 Use that fiery passion to vote instead of tweet, because 1) voting actually matters, and 2) Luke really doesn't deserve folks threatening to take away his country card. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'American Idol' Fans Ripped Judge Luke Bryan's Tweet to SHREDS After Last Night's Eliminations," 16 Apr. 2019 Michele himself has an evident passion for intriguing jewels. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Inside the Wild World of Gucci’s Alessandro Michele," 15 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'passion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about passion

Dictionary Entries near passion

pass into history

pass into law

pass into the hands of

Statistics for passion

Last Updated

13 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for passion

The first known use of passion was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for passion

passion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of passion

: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something

: a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way

: a strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone

See the full definition for passion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

passion

noun

pas·sion | \ ˈpa-shən

Kids Definition of passion

1 : a strong feeling or emotion He spoke with passion.

2 : an object of someone's love, liking, or desire Art is my passion.

3 : strong liking or desire : love She has a passion for music.

passion

noun

pas·sion | \ ˈpa-shən

Legal Definition of passion

: intense, driving, or overpowering feeling or emotion especially : any violent or intense emotion that prevents reflection — see also heat of passion