Cult: meaning, definitions and examples

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cult

[ kʌlt ]

^{Context #1}

religious

A system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.

Synonyms

religious group, sect, sectarian group

Examples of usage

Cult members gathered to worship their leader.
She was raised in a cult that believed in multiple gods.
The cult practiced rituals to honor their deity.

^{Context #2}

popular culture

A group or movement exhibiting a devotion or excessive admiration for a particular thing or person.

Synonyms

devotion, fandom, obsession

Examples of usage

The film developed a cult following among fans.
He was a cult figure in the music industry.

^{Context #3}

negative connotation

A small religious group regarded as strange or sinister by the larger society.

Synonyms

clique, fringe group, sect

Examples of usage

The cult was known for its extreme beliefs and practices.
The authorities raided the cult compound.

Translations

Translations of the word "cult" in other languages:

🇵🇹 culto

🇮🇳 संप्रदाय

🇩🇪 Kult

🇮🇩 kultus

🇺🇦 культ

🇵🇱 kult

🇯🇵 カルト

🇫🇷 culte

🇪🇸 culto

🇹🇷 kült

🇰🇷 컬트

🇸🇦 عبادة

🇨🇿 kult

🇸🇰 kult

🇨🇳 邪教

🇸🇮 kult

🇮🇸 trúarhópur

🇰🇿 культ

🇬🇪 კულტი

🇦🇿 kult

🇲🇽 culto

Word origin

The word 'cult' originated from the Latin word 'cultus', which means 'care' or 'adoration'. Originally, the term was used in the context of religious worship. Over time, 'cult' has come to be associated with various forms of devotion, both positive and negative. In modern usage, it can refer to religious groups, popular trends, or even fanaticism. The history of cults is complex and diverse, with different interpretations and meanings in different cultural contexts.

See also: cultivate, culture, cultured, enculturation, occult.