fanaticism

noun

fa·​nat·​i·​cism fə-ˈna-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce fanaticism (audio)
: fanatic outlook or behavior

Examples of fanaticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the ministries in Tehran, the technocrats learned firsthand how revolutionary fanaticism—cutting off trade with the outside world, for example—could lead to international isolation and harm the economy. Alex Vatanka, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2017 The downside is a corporate culture that borders on fanaticism, with the occasional weaponization of principles to the detriment of people and groups with less power. Amanda Loudin, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2024 The narrative unfolds in the devoutly Catholic town of Pula and examines themes of faith, fanaticism, and vigilante justice. Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 July 2024 As Kid fights his way up the party’s structure, Patel’s lens widens to capture hints of poverty and fanaticism in ways that reflect India’s current climate of religious extremism. Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fanaticism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fanaticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fanaticism was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near fanaticism

Cite this Entry

“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fanaticism. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

Medical Definition

fanaticism

noun
fa·​nat·​i·​cism fə-ˈnat-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce fanaticism (audio)
: fanatic outlook or behavior especially as exhibited by excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions on some subject
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