The word 激情 is formed by combining the character 激, which carries the core idea of intense stimulation, rushing motion, or being stirred up (like water in a rapid), with the character 情, which means emotion, feeling, or passion. Together, they create a compound where 激 acts upon and magnifies 情, conceptually painting the picture of an emotion that is powerfully aroused, surging forth, or at a high pitch, like a swift current of feeling. It is the fusion of these two conceptual images into a single, evocative idea of fervent or ardent passion.