n.
Pronunciation: ' pa-sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion-, passio suffering, being acted upon, from Latin pati to suffer ― more at PATIENT
Date: 13th century
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
2 obsolete : SUFFERING
3 : the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces
4 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
5 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 \ -l ə s \ adjective
synonyms 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 >. synonym see in addition FEELING