passive noun

American  

noun

Grammar.

1. a noun whose referent is the recipient of an action, as trainee, multiplicand.

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Example Sentences

On this Memorial Day we are reminded by its origins among Black Americans at the end of the Civil War that democracy must be an active verb, not a passive noun.

From Salon

"A good read" is now considered the highest recommendation, though the phrase is entirely non-descriptive and reduces a once purposive and active verb to a meek and passive noun.

From The Guardian

To love is an active verb and woman's a passive noun.

From Project Gutenberg