Passion PAS'SION, n. [L. passio, from patior, to suffer.]
1. The
impression or effect of an external agent upon a body; that which is
suffered or received.
A body at rest affords us no idea of any
active power to move, and when set in motion, it is rather a passion
than an action in it.
2. Susceptibility of impressions from external
agents.
The differences of moldable and not moldable, etc., and
many other passions of matter, are plebeian notions. [Little used.]
3. Suffering; emphatically, the last suffering of the Savior.
To
whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible
proofs. Acts 1.
4. The feeling of the mind, or the sensible effect of
impression; excitement, perturbation or agitation of mind; as desire,
fear, hope,joy, grief,love, hatred. The eloquence of the orator is
employed to move the passions.
5. Violent agitation or excitement
of mind, particularly such as is occasioned by an offense, injury or
insult; hence, violent anger.
6. Zeal; ardor; vehement desire.
When statesmen are ruled by faction and interest, they can have no passion
for the glory of their country.
7. Love.
He owned his passion for
Amestris.
8. Eager desire; as a violent passion for fine clothes.
PAS'SION, v.i. To be extremely agitated. [Not used.]
