zealotry
ZELL-uh-tree
/ˈzel.ə.tri/
Fanatical devotion to a cause, religion, or goal, often accompanied by intolerance of opposing views.
Implies intense, uncompromising, and often aggressive passion driven by absolute conviction.
The story behind the word. Traces back to the 'Zealots', a Jewish political sect in the 1st century AD who fiercely resisted Roman rule in Judea. Their uncompromising passion gave the word its enduring meaning of aggressive, unyielding devotion.
Word relationships
- fanaticism: Nearly identical, but zealotry often evokes historical religious or factional intensity.
- fervor: Passionate feeling without the inherent negativity or closed-mindedness of zealotry.
- apathy: Complete lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
- indifference: Neutrality without emotional commitment.
Commonly confused with
- zeal: Zeal is positive or neutral enthusiasm; zealotry is excessive, unbending, and hostile enthusiasm.
Word family
- zealot (noun): A person who is fanatically devoted to a cause.
- zealous (adjective): Showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
Collocations
- partisan zealotry
- ideological zealotry
- religious zealotry
Example sentences
- "The ideological zealotry of the revolution ultimately destroyed the very freedoms it promised to protect." Historical analysis
- "When passion for a project morphs into blind zealotry, constructive feedback is ignored." Corporate commentary
Memory hook
A ZEALOT will never let their ZEAL drop, even when proven wrong. Passion turned past the point of reason.
When not to use
Do not confuse with harmless enthusiasm or keenness; zealotry carries a negative connotation of stubborn blindness.
Fun facts
- The original Zealots preferred death over submitting to Roman authorities during the Siege of Masada.
Related words
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