fanaticism
fuh-NAT-ih-siz-um
/fəˈnæt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/
The quality of being fanatical; wild enthusiasm or unreasonable zeal, especially in political or religious matters.
Emphasizes uncritical, emotionally charged devotion that defies logic and ignores harmful consequences.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'fanum' (temple or sacred place). In ancient Rome, 'fanaticus' described people who suffered violent, ecstatic frenzies while worshipping at a temple, perceived as being possessed by a deity. By the 17th century, it shifted in English to describe wild political or religious enthusiasm.
Word relationships
- zealotry: Emphasizes active, aggressive religious or political drive.
- extremism: Refers to position on a spectrum rather than emotional madness.
- moderation: The quality of staying within reasonable limits.
- rationality: The quality of being based on clear reasoning.
Commonly confused with
- enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is positive and rational energy; fanaticism is irrational, unyielding, and destructive.
Word family
- fanatic (noun): A person filled with excessive enthusiasm.
- fanatical (adjective): Filled with excessive single-minded zeal.
Collocations
- blind fanaticism
- religious fanaticism
- ideological fanaticism
Example sentences
- "Fanaticism consists in redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim." Philosophical treatise (George Santayana, The Life of Reason (1905))
- "History shows that fanaticism frequently blinds leaders to practical realities on the ground." Political analysis
Memory hook
FANATICS belong in a FANUM (temple) screaming at the walls. Ecstatic madness for a cause.
When not to use
Do not confuse with enthusiasm for sports unless highlighting unhinged, violent devotion.
Fun facts
- The common English word 'fan' (e.g., sports fan) is a 19th-century shortening of 'fanatic'.
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