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fanaticism

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "fanaticism": Fanaticism refers to an intense, uncritical, and often extreme enthusiasm or devotion toward a parti

What does "fanaticism" mean?

Fanaticism refers to an intense, uncritical, and often extreme enthusiasm or devotion toward a particular cause, belief, or group. The mental image is of a person whose vision is so narrowed by their passion that they become blind to logic, compromise, or opposing perspectives. While it is most commonly used in the context of religious or political extremism, it can also describe an obsessive obsession with hobbies or sports. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person has lost their sense of proportion and is likely to act in an irrational or aggressive manner to defend their position.

"fanaticism" in conversation

Discussing political polarization

The level of fanaticism on social media is honestly terrifying lately.

The level of fanaticism on social media is honestly terrifying lately.

I agree; people aren't even listening to each other anymore, just shouting their own dogmas.

I agree; people aren't even listening to each other anymore, just shouting their own dogmas.

Used to describe an intense, exclusionary ideological commitment.

Debating sports culture

Some fans take it too far; that's not loyalty, it's just pure fanaticism.

Some fans take it too far; that's not loyalty, it's just pure fanaticism.

Exactly, attacking someone for wearing the opposing team's jersey is way over the line.

Exactly, attacking someone for wearing the opposing team's jersey is way over the line.

Highlights the distinction between healthy passion and irrational behavior.

"fanaticism" in a sentence

  1. His fanaticism for the band led him to follow them across the entire country.

    His fanaticism for the band led him to follow them across the entire country.

  2. Religious fanaticism has been a source of conflict throughout human history.

    Religious fanaticism has been a source of conflict throughout human history.

  3. The leader's inflammatory rhetoric was designed to incite fanaticism among his followers, effectively insulating them from critical inquiry.

    The leader's inflammatory rhetoric was designed to incite fanaticism among his followers, effectively insulating them from critical inquiry.

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