fanatic

[fəˈnætɪk]

fanatic Definition

a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause.

Using fanatic: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fanatic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was a religious fanatic who would stop at nothing to convert others to his beliefs.

  • Example

    The political fanatic refused to listen to any opposing views.

  • Example

    She was such a sports fanatic that she never missed a game.

  • Example

    The environmental fanatic protested outside the factory every day.

fanatic Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for fanatic

Idioms Using fanatic

  • to be extremely enthusiastic or passionate about something

    Example

    She is a fanatic about fitness and exercises every day.

  • a fair-weather fan

    a person who supports a sports team only when they are winning

    Example

    He is not a true fan of the team; he's just a fair-weather fan who jumps on the bandwagon when they're doing well.

  • to make a bad situation worse, especially by stirring up emotions or conflict

    Example

    The politician's speech only served to fan the flames of hatred and division.

Phrases with fanatic

  • a person who is extremely devoted to a particular religion and is often intolerant of other religions

    Example

    The religious fanatic refused to attend his daughter's wedding because it was not held in a church.

  • a person who is extremely devoted to a particular political ideology and is often intolerant of opposing views

    Example

    The political fanatic refused to vote for anyone who did not share his extreme views.

  • a person who is extremely devoted to a particular sport or sports team

    Example

    The sports fanatic painted his entire house in the colors of his favorite team.

Origins of fanatic

from Latin 'fanaticus', meaning 'insanely but divinely inspired'

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Summary: fanatic in Brief

The term 'fanatic' [fəˈnætɪk] refers to a person who is excessively and single-mindedly zealous, often for an extreme religious or political cause. Examples include the 'religious fanatic,' 'political fanatic,' and 'sports fanatic.' The idiom 'fanatic about something' denotes extreme enthusiasm, while 'a fair-weather fan' describes someone who only supports a team when they're winning. 'Fan the flames' means to make a bad situation worse.