passion

noun

pas·​sion ˈpa-shən 

plural passions

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

4

a(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

5

a

: 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

passionless

ˈpa-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• affection
• attachment
• devotedness
• devotion
• fondness
• love

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

Recent Examples on the Web

As global attention and passions swirl around crises elsewhere — most notably the war in Gaza — Sudan’s civil strife has fallen out of view, a reflection of both geopolitics and the reach and resources of international media. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

Murphy has also served as a sign language interpreter and has a passion to educate others in the field of American Sign Language ― both Murphy's parents and her husband are a part of the Deaf community. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing passion

• passion play
• with a passion
• passion fruit

Kids Definition

passion

noun

pas·​sion ˈpash-ən 

1

often capitalized : the sufferings of Jesus between the night of the Last Supper and his death

2

a

plural : the emotions in general

b

: strong feeling or emotion

3

a

: great affection : love

b

: a strong liking

c

: an object of desire or deep interest

Legal Definition

passion

noun

pas·​sion ˈpa-shən 

: intense, driving, or overpowering feeling or emotion

especially : any violent or intense emotion that prevents reflection see also heat of passion