Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a sect: A person who belongs to a small, often religious or political, group that has separated from a larger one. The term often carries a connotation of rigid adherence to the group's specific doctrines and a potential intolerance of other views.

Usage

• The word sectarist is used to identify someone as a member of a particular sect. It is a formal term, often used in historical, religious, or sociological contexts. It can be neutral but frequently implies a degree of dogmatism or exclusivity.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The community was led by a fervent sectarist who rejected all mainstream religious authority.
  • Historians studied the writings of the 17th-century sectarist to understand the group's beliefs.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to or characteristic of a sect or its members.
  • The group's sectarist ideology prevented any cooperation with other communities.

Variants and Related Words

• Sectarian (noun/adjective): This is a much more common synonym. As a noun, it means the same as "sectarist." As an adjective, it describes things relating to a sect or characterized by narrow-minded adherence to a sect's interests.

  • Noun: He was a known sectarian.
  • Adjective: The violence was driven by sectarian hatred.

• Sect (noun): The group itself.

• Sectarianism (noun): Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party; partisan spirit.

Synonyms

• Sectarian (noun)
• Partisan (in the context of rigid adherence to a faction)
• Devotee (though less specific to sects)
• Adherent

Antonyms

• Ecumenist (a promoter of unity among religious groups)
• Nonpartisan
• Unifier

Related Idioms/Phrases

• While there is no common idiom using the exact word "sectarist," the concept is related to phrases like:
  • "Sectarian violence": Conflict driven by differences between sects.
  • "Parochial mindset": Having a narrow, limited outlook, often associated with sectarian views.

Noun

1. a member of a sect
   • most sectarians are intolerant of the views of any other sect