Search Dictionary
Definition of fanaticism

fanaticism

/fəˈnætɪsɪzəm/
fa · nat · i · cism
Adverb:fanatically
•
Plural:fanaticisms
•
Adjective:fanatic
JUMP TO:

fanaticism Lexical Profile

fanaticism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being filled with excessive, single-minded, and often uncritical zeal, particularly for an extreme religious or political cause.

Example

"The historian examined how ideological fanaticism can blind societies to rational compromise and empathy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fanaticism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fanaticism

• Rhymes for fanaticism

• Nearby Words

fanatic
fanatical
fanatically
fanaticism
fanaticize
fanbase
fanboy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century from the adjective 'fanatic' and the suffix '-ism'. It ultimately derives from the Latin 'fanaticus', meaning 'insanely but divinely inspired', from 'fanum' (temple).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fanaticism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fanaticism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.