zealotry
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Meaning
excessive and uncompromising devotion to a religious or political cause, often to the point of fanaticism.
Structure
Usage
his political campaign was marred by an atmosphere of intolerance and zealotry.
the historian warned against the dangers of religious zealotry in shaping public policy.
her initial enthusiasm for the movement gradually hardened into a rigid zealotry.
Etymology
The word 'zealotry' is a relatively Modern English formation, built upon the older noun 'zealot'. 'zealot' itself entered English via Late Latin and Ecclesiastical Latin from the Greek 'zēlōtēs', which originally meant an emulator or an ardent follower, derived from 'zēlos' (zeal, rivalry). The Greek term took on a specific historical meaning for a member of a first-century jewish sect known for its fierce opposition to Roman rule. In English, the suffix '-ry' (from Old French '-erie', indicating a state or practice) was appended to 'zealot' to create an abstract noun. Thus, 'zealotry' logically evolved from denoting a person characterized by fervent partisanship to naming the very state, practice, or conduct of such excessive and uncompromising devotion.
Analysis
zealot: from greek 'zēlōtēs', meaning an emulator, a zealous follower. in english, it functions as the core noun denoting a person filled with zeal, especially for a cause. ry: from old french '-erie', a suffix forming nouns denoting a state, condition, or practice. in english, it functions as a noun-forming suffix indicating the character, conduct, or practice associated with the base word.