Definitions for: Fanatic


[n] a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause); "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject"--Winston Churchill
[adj] marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea; "rabid isolationist"



Webster (1913) Definition: Fa*nat"ic, a. [L. fanaticus inspired by divinity,
enthusiastic, frantic, fr. fanum fane: cf. F. fanatique. See
Fane.]
Pertaining to, or indicating, fanaticism; extravagant in
opinions; ultra; unreasonable; excessively enthusiastic,
especially on religious subjects; as, fanatic zeal; fanatic
notions.

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


Fa*nat"ic, n.
A person affected by excessive enthusiasm, particularly on
religious subjects; one who indulges wild and extravagant
notions of religion.

There is a new word, coined within few months, called
fanatics, which, by the close stickling thereof,
seemeth well cut out and proportioned to signify what
is meant thereby, even the sectaries of our age.
--Fuller
(1660).

Fanatics are governed rather by imagination than by
judgment. --Stowe.

Synonyms: fanatical, fiend, overzealous, passionate, rabid

See Also: enthusiast, partisan, partizan

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