passion

noun pas·sion \ˈpa-shən\

: 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

Full Definition of PASSION

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

obsolete : suffering

: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces

a (1) : emotion <his ruling passion is greed> (2) plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason

b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction

c : an outbreak of anger

a : ardent affection : love

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

c : sexual desire

d : an object of desire or deep interest

— pas·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective

See passion defined for English-language learners

See passion defined for kids

Examples of PASSION

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
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Origin of PASSION

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

Related to PASSION

Synonyms: affection, attachment, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love

Antonyms: abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor

Synonym Discussion of 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