fanatic

Etymology

First attested in 1525. From Latin fānāticus (“of a temple, divinely inspired, frenzied”), from fānum (“temple”). Influenced by French fanatique.

adj

  1. Fanatical.
    But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast / To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last. 1817, Thomas Moore, Lalla-Rookh
  2. (obsolete) Showing evidence of possession by a god or demon; frenzied, overzealous.

noun

  1. A person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion.
    The reclusive tycoon calling himself the Illusive Man is a human nationalist focused on advancing human interests, whatever the cost to non-humans. The Citadel Council regards him as a fanatic posing a serious threat to galactic security. 2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Cerberus: The Illusive Man Codex entry

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