fanatic

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm for a cause or organization

   They're a fanatic about politics.

2. 2
   adj

   Fanatical.

   But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast / To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.

3. 3
   noun

   A person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause.

   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.

4. 4
   adj

   marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea

5. 5
   adj

   Showing evidence of possession by a god or demon; frenzied, overzealous.

Etymology

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