Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system of religious beliefs and rituals: A set of practices and devotional acts centered around a particular figure or object.
   • A religion or sect considered unorthodox or extremist: A group, often small, that is viewed as having beliefs or practices outside the mainstream or societal norms.
   • An exclusive group of followers: People who adhere to a specific, often rigid, system of beliefs, frequently under a charismatic leader.
   • Exaggerated devotion to a person, idea, or activity: A fashion or fad that is pursued with intense, sometimes uncritical, enthusiasm.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ancient cult of Dionysus involved ecstatic rituals. (This refers to a system of religious beliefs.)
  • Authorities were concerned about the dangerous cult operating in the remote compound. (This refers to an unorthodox or extremist sect.)
  • He was a devoted member of the cult for over a decade. (This refers to the group of followers.)
  • The cult of celebrity often ignores personal flaws. (This refers to exaggerated, fad-like devotion.)

Advanced Usage

• "Personality cult": Excessive public admiration for a powerful leader, often encouraged by propaganda.
  • The dictator fostered a pervasive personality cult.
• "Cult following": A group of fans who are extremely dedicated to a particular work of art, film, book, etc., often one not broadly popular.
  • The film developed a cult following years after its release.

Variants and Related Words

• Cultural (adj): Pertaining to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society. (Note: This is a distinct, broader term.)
• Cultish (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a cult.
  • The group's cultish devotion to its leader was alarming.
• Cultist (n): A member or follower of a cult.
  • The cultists were completely isolated from their families.

Synonyms

• Sect: A religious group that has separated from a larger denomination.
• Fad: An intense but short-lived enthusiasm for something.
• Devotion: Profound dedication or love.

Related Phrases

• Cult classic: A movie, book, or other work that has acquired a cult following.
  • "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is considered a cult classic.
• Cult status: The condition of having a cult following.
  • The indie video game achieved cult status among players.

Related Idioms

• Drink the Kool-Aid: (Idiom, derived from a historical cult tragedy) To become an unquestioning believer in a dogma or ideology; to accept something uncritically.
  • He had completely drunk the Kool-Aid and wouldn't listen to any criticism of the group's philosophy.

Noun

1. a system of religious beliefs and rituals
   • devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin
2. a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false
   • it was a satanic cult
3. followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
4. an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
   • he always follows the latest fads
   • it was all the rage that season
5. followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices