fanaticism
UK[fəˈnætɪsɪzəm]US[fəˈnætəˌsɪzəm]
n
Extreme and often irrational enthusiasm or zeal, especially for a religious or political cause.
Morpheme Breakdown
fanatic
ism
fanatic
enthusiast
ism
doctrine or condition
Etymology
The word 'fanaticism' originates from the Latin fanaticus, meaning 'inspired by a deity' or 'frenzied,' which itself derives from fanum, meaning 'temple.' This reflects the original association of extreme, irrational behavior with religious ecstasy or possession. The suffix '-ism,' borrowed via Latin from Greek, was added to form a noun describing the state or condition of being fanatical. Over time, the meaning broadened from specifically religious frenzy to encompass any form of extreme, uncritical zeal, particularly for a cause or belief system, while retaining its core sense of irrational and excessive devotion.
Analysis
Structure: fanatic (enthusiast) + ism (doctrine or condition)
- fanatic: From Latin fanaticus (inspired by a deity, frenzied), from fanum (temple). Functions as the core root denoting excessive, often divinely-inspired zeal.
- ism: From Greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, condition, or doctrine. Functions as a noun-forming suffix indicating the state, practice, or system associated with the root.
Examples
His political fanaticism blinded him to any opposing viewpoints.
The regime was overthrown by a wave of religious fanaticism.
She argued against the fanaticism that often arises in ideological debates.