fanatic
UK: fəˈnætɪk | US: fəˈnætɪk
n. a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause
adj. filled with or expressing excessive zeal
fanatic = fan<inspired by a deity> + atic<adjective suffix>
- fan (from Latin fanum "temple, shrine," originally implying divine inspiration or frenzy)
- atic (adjective-forming suffix, often indicating a characteristic or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "fanatic" traces back to Latin fanaticus, meaning "inspired by a deity, frenzied." It originally described someone exhibiting religious ecstasy or madness, often in temple rituals. Over time, it broadened to describe extreme enthusiasm or irrational devotion in secular contexts, particularly in politics or ideology. The shift from divine frenzy to modern zealotry reflects the word's enduring association with intensity beyond reason.
The politician’s fanatic supporters refused to accept any criticism of him.
She was a fanatic about cleanliness, scrubbing the floors daily.
Religious fanatics often reject compromise in favor of absolute dogma.
His fanatic dedication to the sport left little time for other hobbies.
The cult leader’s fanatic rhetoric manipulated his followers into isolation.