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 Kim family has ruled North Korea with an iron grip for decades, and a cult of personality surrounding their so-called "Paektu bloodline" dominates daily life in the isolated country.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Such utopian — and even messianic — ideologies typically contain a “pseudoreligious quality” that elicit an unwavering passion among their followers, even a cult of personality.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 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