fanaticism
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does fanaticism mean? Fanaticism is an extreme and often unquestioning enthusiasm, devotion, or zeal for something, such as a religion, political stance, or cause. It can also refer to behavior motivated by such enthusiasm or devotion.A person who engages in fanaticism can be called a fanatic, and they or their behavior or beliefs can be described as fanatical.Sometimes, fanatic is used negatively to imply that someone takes such devotion too far, as in They’re considered religious fanatics due to their extreme practices. Close synonyms are extremist, radical, and zealot.Other times, fanatic is not used negatively but instead simply refers to someone who is extreme in their devotion or enthusiasm for an interest or hobby. For example, calling someone a sports fanatic means they’re an extremely enthusiastic fan of sports. In fact, the word fan is a shortening of fanatic.Fanaticism can be used in reference to either kind of fanatic.Example: We dismiss it as fanaticism, but this belief system may be more widespread than we think.
Etymology
Origin of fanaticism
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 dedication and fanaticism of Palantir investors may indicate a high element of risk to outsiders, but it has translated into life-changing money for some.
From MarketWatch
"In short, investigating fanaticism is not merely descriptive -- it is developmentally informed prevention that protects public health and strengthens democratic cohesion. When we discuss fanaticism, the facts speak for themselves."
From Science Daily
In addition to an uncommon skill set, companies trying to win in the hypercompetitive AI arena are scouting for commitment bordering on fanaticism.
He urged the media to focus on reporting the truth instead of taking part in partisan divisions, and not to give space to "fanaticism and hatred."
From BBC
"This soccer fanaticism has even grown stronger with the young generation because they watch the English Premier League from anywhere," he said.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
