fanaticism
fuh-NAT-uh-siz-um
/fəˈnætɪsɪzəm/
The quality of being fanatical; obsessive enthusiasm and unreasoning zeal for a cause, faith, or political ideology.
Implies an uncompromised, extreme stance that actively rejects moderation, logic, and opposing viewpoints.
The story behind the word. To the ancient Romans, a 'fanaticus' was someone who acted wild or frantic as if possessed by a deity while inside a 'fanum' (temple). By the 17th century in English, it described anyone who showed unreasoning, extravagant enthusiasm for religious doctrines.
Word relationships
- zealotry: 'Zealotry' stresses fierce, intolerant devotion to a partisan cause; 'fanaticism' encompasses wild, unreasoning obsession.
- extremism: 'Extremism' focuses on holding radical political views outside the mainstream; 'fanaticism' describes the irrational psychological state.
- moderation: The avoidance of excesses or extremes in opinion or conduct.
- pragmatism: Evaluating ideas and actions based on practical results rather than rigid emotional zeal.
Commonly confused with
- enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is positive, healthy eagerness; fanaticism is obsessive, irrational, and closed to reason.
Word family
- fanatic (noun): A person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal.
- fanatical (adjective): Filled with excessive and single-minded zeal.
- fan (noun): An enthusiastic devotee of a sports team, artist, or activity (shortened form).
Collocations
- religious fanaticism
- blind fanaticism
- ideological fanaticism
- fuel fanaticism
Example sentences
- "The report warned that radicalization was driven by a dangerous blend of isolation and religious fanaticism." Sociological analysis
- "George Santayana famously defined fanaticism as redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim." Philosophical commentary
Memory hook
FANATICS are so wild in the temple (fanum) that reason goes out the window. Temple frenzy turned into unreasoning zeal.
When not to use
Do not use for positive, rational passion or dedication to a healthy craft or hobby.
Fun facts
- The everyday word 'fan' (as in sports fan or movie fan) is actually a 19th-century shortened form of 'fanatic'.
Related words
Also appears in
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