passion

noun

Save Word

pas·sion | \ ˈpa-shən

plural passions

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 Phrases Containing passion Learn More About passion

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. gave in 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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web The Degas pieces are a beacon of her longtime passion and support for the ballet; her love for modernity is exemplified by the Bauhaus Rothkos; perhaps her Midwestern roots are hinted at by the Impressionist forest painting by Monet. — Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 10 May 2022 Fifteen years in the making, this biography written by Jane Sherron de Hart explores the experiences that shaped Ginsburg's passion for justice and her advocacy for gender equality. — Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 9 May 2022 Aikens says that his players’ passion for and commitment to the game haven’t wavered during the season. — Josh Reed, Anchorage Daily News, 6 May 2022 Gurung utilized the house’s signature colors of red and fuschia to represent the passion and warmth of the star and her on-screen alter-ego, budding reporter and author Peggy Scott. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 4 May 2022 Questlove finds the connections to today in the artistry, passion, and, yes, the racial conflict of the era, delivering one of the best films of 2021. — Megan Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2022 Our passion and strength lies in hair care through our heritage. — Angela Lei, Forbes, 3 May 2022 But they have rarely been marked by this level of passion and intensity. — New York Times, 1 May 2022 That is where this comes from – this grit, this passion and everything about me. — Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 30 Apr. 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About passion

Dictionary Entries Near passion

pass into the hands of

passion

passional

Statistics for passion

Last Updated

17 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for passion

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