emotion
noun
emo·tion
i-ˈmō-shən 
1
a
: a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body
b
: a state of feeling
c
: the affective aspect of consciousness : feeling
2
a
b
obsolete
: disturbance
Examples of emotion in a Sentence
a display of raw emotion
The defendant showed no emotion when the verdict was read.
She was overcome with emotion at the news of her friend's death.
Recent Examples on the Web
The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outermost layer and is involved in many of the higher functions of the human brain including memory, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and emotions..
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Election seasons often evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from hope for the future to intense worry over what may come.
—Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
At the same time, many of the local journalists who spoke with CNN used different words to describe the complex emotions at play.
—Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
The 59-year-old mother of four showed no emotion as the verdict was read, video shows.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emotion 
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Election seasons often evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from hope for the future to intense worry over what may come.
—Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
At the same time, many of the local journalists who spoke with CNN used different words to describe the complex emotions at play.
—Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
The 59-year-old mother of four showed no emotion as the verdict was read, video shows.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emotion
Articles Related to emotion
Dictionary Entries Near emotion
Cite this Entry
“Emotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotion. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emotion
noun
emo·tion
i-ˈmō-shən
1
: strong feeling : excitement
2
: a mental reaction (as anger or fear) marked by strong feeling and usually causing physical effects
Medical Definition
emotion
noun
emo·tion
i-ˈmō-shən
1
: the affective aspect of consciousness
2
: a state of feeling
3
: a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body compare affect
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