cult of personality

American

noun

a cult promoting adulation of a living national leader or public figure, as one encouraged by Stalin to extend his power.

Etymology

Origin of cult of personality

Probably earlier than 1965–70; translation of Russian kulʾt líchnosti

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The two-week absence is unusual given Rakhmon has built a cult of personality and his movements are meticulously reported by the government-controlled press.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

In the court of pop culture influence, Barrett isn’t close to matching the cult of personality surrounding her predecessor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2025

There’s something to be said for a cult of personality.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

Kim's family has ruled the hermit nation for decades by developing and promoting a cult of personality.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2025

Although it was unclear if he or his older relatives would wield real power, propagandists worked overtime manufacturing a new cult of personality.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023