Discover 16 distinct emotions that start with the letter “O,” ranging from Obsession to Overwrought. These emotions reveal a rich spectrum of human feelings, including intense states like Overjoy and Outrage as well as subtle experiences such as Ordinariness and Open-heartedness. Notice how many of these emotions relate to states of intensity or being overwhelmed, highlighting the letter “O” as a gateway to powerful and complex emotional experiences.
Explore the complete list below to deepen your understanding of these emotions and how they shape our interactions and inner lives.
Emotions This column names the specific emotion beginning with “O” so you can easily identify each one.
Type Here you find the category or nature of each emotion, such as whether it is positive, negative, complex, state-based, or a disposition.
Definition This section provides a clear and simple explanation of what the emotion means, focusing on widely accepted psychological descriptions.
Example Usage See how the emotion appears in everyday life through a brief sentence that illustrates its common context.
Descripción This part offers additional insights, explaining nuances or important aspects of the emotion to enhance your understanding.
Emotions that start with O
| Emotions | type | definition | example usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsession | Complex, intense, persistent thought or feeling | A persistent, unwanted thought, idea, or urge that repeatedly intrudes into one’s consciousness. While often associated with disorders, it can also refer to an intense preoccupation. | Her obsession with perfect grades consumed all her free time. |
| Offense | Negative, reactive emotion | The feeling of being insulted, hurt, or annoyed by someone’s actions or words. | He took great offense at the rude comment about his family. |
| Ominousness | Feeling, premonition, foreboding | A feeling or impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening or sinister. | The dark clouds gathering on the horizon filled them with a sense of ominousness. |
| On edge | State, feeling of tension or nervousness | A state of being tense, nervous, or irritable, often due to anticipation or stress. | After the difficult week, she felt constantly on edge, ready to snap at any moment. |
| Open-heartedness | Positive, disposition, emotional state | The quality of being kind, generous, and willing to show one’s feelings and be receptive to others. | Her open-heartedness made it easy for new acquaintances to trust and confide in her. |
| Optimism | Positive, outlook, belief | Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something. | Despite the challenges, his unwavering optimism kept the team motivated. |
| Ordinariness | Feeling, perception, lack of distinction | The state or quality of being commonplace, unexceptional, or unremarkable; a feeling of lacking special qualities. | After the grand adventure, returning home brought a sense of comforting ordinariness. |
| Outrage | Intense, negative, moral emotion | Extreme anger, indignation, or shock, often provoked by what is perceived as an injustice or a morally unacceptable act. | The public expressed widespread outrage over the corrupt politician’s actions. |
| Over-excitement | Intense, positive/negative, aroused state | A state of excessive enthusiasm, eagerness, or arousal, sometimes leading to difficulty in calming down or focusing. | The children were bouncing off the walls from over-excitement after opening their gifts. |
| Over-stimulation | State, sensory overload, discomfort | A state of feeling overwhelmed due to an excessive amount of sensory input (e.g., noise, lights, activity), leading to discomfort or distress. | The noisy party, bright lights, and many conversations led to her over-stimulation and need for quiet. |
| Overawe | Emotion, state of being profoundly impressed | To impress someone so much that they are silent or inhibited; to fill with a feeling of respectful fear or wonder. | The vastness of the Grand Canyon could overawe anyone who stood before it. |
| Overcome | State, feeling of being overpowered | To be strongly affected by an emotion to the point of being unable to function or resist. | She was overcome with grief when she heard the news, unable to speak. |
| Overjoy | Intense, positive emotion | To fill with immense joy; to delight excessively. | The news of her acceptance to her dream university absolutely overjoyed her. |
| Overload | State, feeling of being burdened | A state of having too much of something to handle, especially responsibilities or information, leading to stress or exhaustion. | She felt emotional overload trying to juggle work, family, and personal issues all at once. |
| Overwhelm | State, feeling of being submerged | To have a strong emotional effect on someone, to overpower or submerge in feelings or a situation beyond one’s capacity to cope. | The sheer amount of work threatened to overwhelm the new employee. |
| Overwrought | State, excessively emotional | In a state of nervous excitement or anxiety; excessively elaborate or complicated. | After the intense argument, she was completely overwrought, unable to calm down. |
Descriptions
Obsession
Obsession, when considered an emotion, reflects an intense and sometimes consuming preoccupation. It can be a driving force, but also a source of distress if thoughts become intrusive. Understanding obsession helps distinguish deep interest from unhelpful fixation.
Offense
Offense is a common emotional response to perceived disrespect or injury. It can trigger anger or resentment, highlighting the importance of communication and empathy in interactions. Recognizing when we feel offense helps manage our emotional reactions effectively.
Ominousness
Ominousness is an unsettling emotion, a feeling that signals impending trouble or danger. It’s often a gut reaction to subtle cues, preparing us for potential negative events. This emotional warning system can prompt caution and vigilance.
On edge
Feeling on edge is an intense state of heightened emotional sensitivity and tension. It often arises from stress, anxiety, or anticipation, leaving one feeling irritable and easily startled. This emotion impacts focus and well-being.
Open-heartedness
Open-heartedness is a beautiful positive emotion, characterized by genuine warmth, compassion, and a willingness to connect deeply with others. It fosters trust and strengthens relationships, promoting emotional honesty and empathy.
Optimism
Optimism is a powerful positive emotion, representing a hopeful and confident outlook on life and future events. It fuels resilience, motivation, and well-being, helping individuals navigate difficulties with a positive mindset.
Ordinariness
While not strictly an emotion, ordinariness can evoke feelings of comfort or, conversely, a desire for more excitement. It describes a state of being average or routine. Embracing or challenging this feeling shapes our emotional landscape.
Outrage
Outrage is a powerful, intense emotion combining anger, shock, and indignation, usually triggered by perceived injustice or cruelty. It can mobilize collective action and is a strong indicator of violated moral principles.
Over-excitement
Over-excitement describes an intensely heightened emotional state, often joyful but potentially overwhelming. It can make it challenging to regulate emotions or focus, highlighting the fine line between joy and emotional overload.
Over-stimulation
Over-stimulation is an uncomfortable emotional state resulting from an excess of sensory input, such as too much noise or activity. It can lead to irritability, anxiety, and a need to withdraw, emphasizing the importance of managing sensory environments.
Overawe
To overawe is to evoke an emotion of profound respect mixed with wonder or slight apprehension. It speaks to the feeling of being deeply impressed or humbled by something magnificent, a powerful experience for many.
Overcome
To be overcome by emotion means being profoundly affected, often to the point of being incapacitated. It reflects the intensity with which emotions can sometimes seize us, whether it’s joy, sorrow, or another powerful feeling.
Overjoy
Overjoy describes an overwhelming surge of happiness and delight. It’s a deeply positive emotion, often experienced when significant desires are fulfilled, showcasing the peak of emotional positivity.
Overload
Overload, particularly emotional overload, occurs when one feels burdened by an excessive amount of stress, tasks, or emotions. It can lead to burnout, highlighting the need for managing our capacity and setting boundaries.
Overwhelm
Overwhelm is a powerful emotion where one feels completely submerged or unable to cope with a situation or strong feelings. It can lead to a sense of powerlessness, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience and support.
Overwrought
Overwrought describes a state of extreme emotional distress or agitation, often leading to a loss of composure. It signifies being overly tense or anxious, reflecting a heightened and potentially unmanageable emotional response.