Etymology

Noun

1. The act of affecting or acting upon; the state of being affected.
2. An attribute; a quality or property; a condition; a bodily state; as, figure, weight, etc., are affections of bodies.
3. Bent of mind; a feeling or natural impulse or natural impulse acting upon and swaying the mind; any emotion; as, the benevolent affections, esteem, gratitude, etc.; the malevolent affections, hatred, envy, etc.; inclination; disposition; propensity; tendency.
4. A settled good will; kind feeling; love; zealous or tender attachment

   Usage note: often in the plural; formerly followed by "to", but now more generally by "for" or "toward(s)"; as, filial, social, or conjugal affections; to have an affection for or towards children

5. Disease; morbid symptom; malady; as, a pulmonary affection. --Dunglison.

Synonyms

• attachment
• fondness
• good will
• kindness
• love
• passion
• tenderness