fanatic

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person with extreme, often unreasonable enthusiasm for a cause or belief.

   The group was led by a religious fanatic with dangerous ideas.

2. 2
   noun

   A person who is extremely keen on a hobby or interest.

   My brother is a complete football fanatic.

3. 3
   adj

   Marked by extreme, intense devotion to a cause or idea.

   He had a fanatic devotion to his political party.

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

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