Definitions for: Zeal


[n] excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end; "he had an absolute zeal for litigation"
[n] a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause); "they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor"; "he felt a kind of religious zeal"



Webster (1913) Definition: Zeal (z[=e]l), n. [F. z[`e]le; cf. Pg. & It. zelo, Sp.
zelo, celo; from L. zelus, Gr. ?, probably akin to ? to boil.
Cf. Yeast, Jealous.]
1. Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in
favor of a person or cause; ardent and active interest;
engagedness; enthusiasm; fervor. ``Ambition varnished o'er
with zeal.'' --Milton. ``Zeal, the blind conductor of the
will.'' --Dryden. ``Zeal's never-dying fire.'' --Keble.

I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but
not according to knowledge. --Rom. x. 2.

A zeal for liberty is sometimes an eagerness to
subvert with little care what shall be established.
--Johnson.

2. A zealot. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.


Zeal, v. i.
To be zealous. [Obs. & R.] --Bacon.

Synonyms: elan

See Also: ardor, ardour, avidity, avidness, eagerness, fervency, fervidness, fervor, fervour, fire, keenness

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