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fanaticism
[ fuh-nat-uh-sahyz-uhm ]
noun
- fanatical character, spirit, or conduct.
fanaticism
/ fəˈnætɪˌsɪzəm /
noun
- wildly excessive or irrational devotion, dedication, or enthusiasm
Word History and Origins
Origin of fanaticism1
Example Sentences
Simply put, the cuachicqueh possibly comprised full-time soldiers who had proved their flair in battles with courage, ferocity, and downright fanaticism.
There’s a reason that sports fandom and political fanaticism are often compared.
Rather than dismantling this machinery of fanaticism, the military decided to use it in its proxy war against India in the long-running contest over Kashmir.
Brazilian pizza became, well, Brazilian, and over the decades its popularity throughout the country boomed to the fanaticism we see today.
The vast majority of my personal acquaintances are non-runners, in the sense that, for them, anything beyond occasionally doing a light jog or taking part in a Thanksgiving 5K is a clear sign of unhinged fanaticism.
This all changed when the state-supported wave of religious fanaticism struck our society.
A Muslim cleric from France hopes to unite Muslims, Christians and Jews in the fight against fanaticism.
In short, these "solutions" represent neither principles nor pragmatism, and instead reflect dangerous phantasms and fanaticism.
And to respond to fanaticism in kind, to give in to its death urges, is to be complicit with it—deeply complicit.
The region is being roiled by religious fanaticism; Palestinians read the papers.
The wave of religious fanaticism sweeping over the land might recede as rapidly as it had risen.
The abbey was founded by William the Lion in 1178, but war, fire and fanaticism have left it sadly fragmentary.
Against plays, players, and playgoers they waged in pulpit and pamphlet a warfare characterized by the most intense fanaticism.
But no story is too absurd to be imposed on minds blinded by religious and political fanaticism.
In short, he knows little of the human mind who does not know that fanaticism renders the populace capable of anything.
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More About Fanaticism
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.
Where does fanaticism come from?
The first records of the word fanaticism come from the early 1700s. The base word, fanatic, comes from the Latin fānāticus, meaning “pertaining to a temple, inspired by divinity, frantic.” The suffix -ism refers to a doctrine or practice.
The devotion and enthusiasm of a fanatic goes beyond normal interest. Fanaticism is intense, extreme, and often unconditional, meaning it will probably continue no matter what—even in spite of evidence that such fanatical beliefs are wrong or dangerous.
Even when fanatic is not used in a negative way and simply refers to a fan, it often implies that someone is a die-hard fan who will continue in their fanaticism no matter what.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to fanaticism?
- fanatic (noun, adjective)
What are some synonyms for fanaticism?
What are some words that share a root or word element with fanaticism?
What are some words that often get used in discussing fanaticism?
How is fanaticism used in real life?
The word fanaticism is usually used negatively, especially in the context of religion and politics.
These people seem wired to adore charismatics, discount facts, and deny truth, even when it's staring them in the face. When their idols fall, there's no outrage or disillusionment and no demands for accountability. Is this extreme brainwashing? Is it religious fanaticism? https://t.co/BdHVI4ZJr8
— Keri Haberer (@standupforsense) August 31, 2020
Fixed opinions are the purview of fanatics. We see more and more examples of the result of fanaticism and the actions of terrorists both abroad and local. Yet we fail to see the destructive nature of nationalism, not as it is, a fanatical fixed opinion, but considered patriotism.
— Kameron Kizzar (@KameronKizzar) August 27, 2020
If you enjoyed this season of "Dave," learn about the Philadelphia sports fanaticism of Dave Burd (a.k.a. Lil Dicky): https://t.co/2BmmtXTsqe
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 1, 2020
Try using fanaticism!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of fanaticism?
A. zealousness
B. extremism
C. opposition
D. radicalism
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