fervor

noun fer·vor \ˈfər-vər\

: a strong feeling of excitement and enthusiasm

Full Definition of FERVOR

: intensity of feeling or expression <booing and cheering with almost equal fervor — Alan Rich>

: intense heat

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Examples of FERVOR

As Nina has grown more observant, Andras has become distanced from her. Her religious fervor doesn't interest him. Coming to tradition late, Nina has all the pedantry of an autodidact. Her strivings seem inauthentic to Andras, and not at all spiritual. —Allegra Goodman, Kaaterskill Falls, 1998
Certainly being the son of a pastor had contributed to Vincent's religiosity, but in time even his father was disturbed by the growing intensity of his son's fervor. —Michael Kimmelman, New York Times Book Review, 12 Aug. 1990
In her renewed fervor, Norma fears that the past decade has turned women inward, away from one another, and away, too, from the notion that solidarity among women is ultimately a source of personal strength. —Anita Shreve, New York Times Magazine, 6 July 1986
Reciting, her voice took on resonance and firmness, it rang with the old fervor, with ferocity even. —Eudora Welty, One Writer's Beginnings, 1983
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Origin of FERVOR

Middle English fervour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fervur, from Latin fervor, from fervēre (see fervent)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FERVOR

Synonyms: ardency, emotion, enthusiasm, fervency, fervidness, ardor, fire, heat, intenseness, intensity, passion, passionateness, vehemence, violence, warmth, white heat

Antonyms: impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity

Synonym Discussion of FERVOR

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>.