plural passions
1
a
: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something
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.
b
: a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way
The crime was committed in a fit of passion.
a crime of passion
destructive passions
2
: a strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone
—often + for
He had never felt such passion [=love, devotion] for anyone but her.
sexual passions
3
a
: something that you enjoy or love doing very much
Music/golf/writing has always been his passion.
b
: a strong feeling of love for something
She developed a passion for opera.
a student with a passion for literature
4
: the sufferings of Jesus Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death
the Passion of Christ
Cite this Entry
“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/passion. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.
Copy Citation
