---

• n  the trait of remaining inactive; a lack of initiative
• n  submission to others or to outside influences

• Thursday, as America's Catholic cardinals left Rome, relief hung thick in the air: at last, activity would replace passivity.
• We carried an aura of passivity, and the therapist wanted to see passion.
• It is only in love and in sex that passivity is particularly appropriate for women.

• passiveness

News & Articles

---

• In Israel, no silver linings
  U.S. passivity concerns many leaders.
  July 15, 2013 - Washington Post

Quotes

---

• Ban Ki-moon in Reuters
  Or it is used as a weapon in armed conflict, condoned through tacit silence and passivity by the state and the law enforcement community,said Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister who became secretary-general on January 1.
• Segolene Royal in Reuters South Africa
  Asked if France should boycott the Olympic Games to add more pressure on China, Royal said: "I don't exclude it. If there is such inaction, such passivity, all means must be used so that things move."
• Kofi Annan in Reuters Canada
  The truth is, none of these arguments amount even to excuses, let alone justifications, for the shameful passivity of most governments,Annan says in the speech to be given to mark International Human Rights Day.