fanaticism

noun

fa·​nat·​i·​cism fə-ˈna-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

: fanatic outlook or behavior

Examples of fanaticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fan fanaticism and audience interaction that led to its midnight-movie cult status have helped make The Rocky Horror Picture Show the longest-running theatrical release in history. —Katherine Turman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025

Hate or fanaticism can end a life in an instant, hundreds of yards from the victim. —Gregory P. Magarian, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025

While the tone and formula hasn’t changed too drastically, the movies do not earn as much money or inspire the same fanaticism. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025

Toll hit on many of the same themes, outlining the fanaticism of the Japanese military and threats of a coup if their leaders tried to pursue peace. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fanaticism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Medical Definition

fanaticism

noun

fa·​nat·​i·​cism fə-ˈnat-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

: fanatic outlook or behavior especially as exhibited by excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions on some subject