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Fanaticism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fanaticism

[fษ™หˆnรฆtษชsษชzษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

extreme beliefs

Fanaticism is a belief or behavior involving uncritical zeal or with an obsessive enthusiasm. It is often associated with extreme religious or political views.

Synonyms

extremism, intolerance, zealotry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fanaticism

Use when describing intense, often obsessive enthusiasm or support, typically for a religion, political belief, or cause.

  • Her fanaticism for the band's music made her attend every single concert.
  • His fanaticism in politics alienated many of his friends.
extremism

Applied when referring to actions or ideologies that are far from what is considered normal or acceptable, often involving radical views or methods.

  • Authorities are concerned about the rise of political extremism in the region.
  • Extremism in any form can lead to dangerous outcomes.
zealotry

Denotes fervent or passionate support for a particular cause, often in an excessive or fanatical manner. Generally carries a negative connotation.

  • Religious zealotry has led to countless conflicts throughout history.
  • His zealotry for environmental conservation sometimes bordered on the extreme.
intolerance

Used for expressing unwillingness or inability to accept different opinions, beliefs, or types of behavior. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His intolerance of other cultures made it difficult for him to travel abroad.
  • The school's policy of intolerance against bullying was strictly enforced.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his fanaticism towards his favorite sports team.
  • The cult leader's fanaticism led to tragic consequences.
  • She was willing to go to any lengths to defend her political beliefs, even resorting to fanaticism.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that fanaticism often stems from a desire for belonging, leading individuals to adopt extreme beliefs to fit in.
  • Fanatics can demonstrate cognitive dissonance, where they dismiss conflicting information to maintain their beliefs.
  • Thereโ€™s a connection between strong identity and fanaticism, as it can provide individuals with meaning and purpose.

History

  • Throughout history, numerous wars and conflicts have been driven by fanaticism, where strong beliefs have led to extreme actions.
  • In the 17th century, fanaticism played a role in the English Civil War, where intense political and religious beliefs clashed.
  • The French Revolution saw groups driven by radical beliefs, leading to significant violence and societal change.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict fanaticism through characters that display extreme loyalty, like sports fans or cult members.
  • Books and shows explore the darker side of fanaticism, revealing how it can shape personalities and lead to conflict.
  • Real-life fanatics occasionally appear in media, showcasing how extreme beliefs can impact social and political landscapes.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often warn against fanaticism as it can narrow one's perspective, shutting down critical thinking.
  • The concept of fanaticism contrasts with open-mindedness, where multiple viewpoints are welcomed and considered.
  • Many thinkers suggest fostering dialogue and understanding as antidotes to dangerous fanaticism in society.

Origin of 'fanaticism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word stems from Latin 'fanaticus', meaning 'inspired by a deity', originally linked to religious fervor.
  • In the 16th century, it began to describe people showing excessive zeal in religious or political contexts.
  • The term evolved in the 19th century to include strong passion beyond just religious issues, covering various ideologies.

The word 'fanaticism' originated in the late 16th century, from the French word 'fanatisme', which ultimately comes from the Latin word 'fanaticus', meaning 'insanely but divinely inspired'. Over the years, the term has evolved to describe extreme and uncritical zeal in various aspects of life.

See also: fanatical, fanatically.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,346, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.