This list includes 15 Emotions that start with P, from “Panic” to “Protectiveness”. Many P-emotions connect to protection, pride, surprise, or anxiety, and they vary from positive to negative in tone. They are useful for students, writers, educators, therapists, and curious readers looking for clear emotional vocabulary.

Emotions that start with P are feelings whose English names begin with the letter P, covering a broad emotional range. For example, “pride” carries varied cultural meaning, appearing in moral stories, rites, and social identity across societies.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example

Emotion: Lists the emotion name so you can scan for specific feelings, pick words for writing, or study emotional vocabulary.

Type: Shows whether the feeling is positive, negative, or neutral to help you choose tones for characters, lessons, or notes.

Definition: Provides a concise one-sentence meaning so you understand use and nuance without needing specialized sources.

Example: Gives a short sentence showing everyday usage, so you can see tone and context quickly.

Emotions that start with P

EmotionValenceDefinitionExample
PridePositiveFeeling of deep satisfaction in oneself or one’s achievements.She felt pride after finishing the marathon.
PityNegativeFeeling of sorrow or compassion for another person’s misfortune.He felt pity for the homeless man.
PleasurePositivePleasant feeling from enjoyment, comfort, or satisfying experiences.She took pleasure in the warm coffee.
PanicNegativeSudden, intense fear causing frantic or disorganized reactions.Panic surged when the building alarm sounded.
PassionPositiveVery strong emotion or enthusiasm toward an activity or person.His passion for music showed in every performance.
PeacePositiveCalm, tranquil feeling free from disturbance or stress.She felt peace sitting by the lake.
PlayfulnessPositiveLighthearted, spontaneous mood for fun, teasing, or games.The kitten’s playfulness lifted everyone’s spirits.
PetulanceNegativeChildish irritation or sulkiness over minor annoyances.His petulance showed after being interrupted.
PerturbationNegativeA disturbed, unsettled feeling of worry or agitation.News of delays caused her perturbation.
PerplexityNeutralA state of confused puzzlement or difficulty understanding.He listened in perplexity to the instructions.
PensivenessNeutralQuiet, reflective sadness or thoughtful melancholy.She sat in pensiveness after the phone call.
PeevishnessNegativeIrritable, easily annoyed mood or disposition.His peevishness showed during long meetings.
PowerlessnessNegativeFeeling unable to control or influence events or outcomes.A sense of powerlessness followed the layoffs.
ProtectivenessPositiveA caring urge to guard, defend, or look after someone or something.Her protectiveness over her child was obvious.
PlacidityPositiveCalm, untroubled serenity and composure.He faced chaos with surprising placidity.

Descriptions

Pride
A common positive self-focused emotion tied to achievement, status, and self-worth; can be healthy or hubristic.
Pity
Often mixes sympathy and sadness; can motivate helping behavior but sometimes feels condescending.
Pleasure
A basic positive emotion from rewards and enjoyment; motivates behavior and influences wellbeing.
Panic
An acute negative emotion linked to perceived imminent danger; can impair reasoning and prompt escape behaviors.
Passion
An intense, often enduring emotion driving deep interest, creativity, or desire; can be constructive or overwhelming.
Peace
A gentle positive state of calm and contentment valued for mental health and recovery from stress.
Playfulness
A social, creative emotion that supports bonding, exploration, and joy, common in both children and adults.
Petulance
A negative, petty emotional state marked by impatience and sulking, usually brief and triggered by frustration.
Perturbation
A mild-to-moderate negative reaction to disruption or uncertainty; less intense than panic but discomforting.
Perplexity
Often seen as a cognitive-emotional state indicating confusion; can prompt problem-solving or frustration.
Pensiveness
A subdued, contemplative emotional tone tied to reflection, nostalgia, or low-key sadness.
Peevishness
A short-tempered, negative emotional quality that magnifies small annoyances into noticeable irritation.
Powerlessness
A negative emotional state tied to helplessness and lack of agency; can lead to resignation or action.
Protectiveness
A prosocial emotion that motivates caregiving and defense; linked to attachment and family bonds.
Placidity
A steady, positive calmness that resists agitation, supporting clear thinking and stress resilience.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.