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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie’s incessant urge to psychoanalyze John’s fanaticism could have stopped at the boot camp sequence. Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025 As just one egregious example of what must be fixed, Europe cannot accept anti-Israel fanaticism and Jew hatred in its cities then shrug helplessly in surprise, as if its funding of anti-Israel NGOs and welcoming millions of unvetted immigrants had nothing to do with it. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Dictators may be relatively more shielded from the pressures of public opinion than leaders of democracies, but nuclear fanaticism anywhere threatens the taboo. Nina Tannenwald, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2023 If optimization culture is analogous to religious fanaticism, satisficing is analogous to religious moderation. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fanaticism

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fanaticism was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fanaticism. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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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