fanatic

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause); --Winston Churchill
  2. adjective marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

fiend

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