zealotism

A zealotism of the crowd led to the disruption of the public meeting.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive enthusiasm or devotion: "zealotism" refers to the behaviour, attitudes, or practices characteristic of a zealot; specifically, an uncompromising, extreme, and often fanatical devotion to a cause, belief, or ideology.

Usage Examples

• (His extreme and uncompromising devotion to a political cause drove people away.)
• (Their fanatical adherence to religious beliefs made them intolerant of other views.)
• (Excessive enthusiasm that becomes dogmatic can harm open discussion.)

Advanced Usage

• "to descend into zealotism": to become increasingly extreme and fanatical in one's beliefs.

  • What began as a healthy interest in environmentalism slowly descended into zealotism. (The initial passion turned into an obsessive and uncompromising fixation.)

• "zealotism of the highest order": an especially intense or extreme form of fanaticism.

  • The revolutionary's demands were marked by zealotism of the highest order. (His demands were exceptionally uncompromising and extreme.)

Variants and Related Words

• Zealot (n): a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.

  • He was a zealot who would not listen to any opposing arguments. (He was a fanatic unwilling to consider other views.)

• Zealotry (n): a synonym for zealotism; fanatical and uncompromising devotion.

  • Her zealotry for social justice sometimes made her dismissive of practical concerns. (Her extreme devotion to a cause overshadowed practical considerations.)

• Zealous (adj): having or showing great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective.

  • She was a zealous supporter of the charity. (She was enthusiastic and dedicated, though not necessarily fanatical.)

Synonyms

• Fanaticism: excessive and often irrational enthusiasm or devotion.
• Extremism: the holding of extreme political or religious views; fanaticism.
• Dogmatism: the tendency to assert beliefs as unquestionably true, often without considering evidence.

Related Idioms

• To be a zealot for a cause: to be an extreme and uncompromising supporter of a particular belief.

  • He is a zealot for animal rights, refusing to use any products tested on animals. (He is a fanatical supporter of animal rights.)

• To take something to the level of zealotism: to pursue an idea or activity with excessive and narrow-minded intensity.

  • Her dedication to fitness is admirable, but she has taken it to the level of zealotism. (Her commitment has become extreme and obsessive.)