Cult

/kʌlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.

The cult of the ancient goddess involved elaborate rituals and sacrifices.

A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.

The cult operated in secrecy, attracting followers with promises of enlightenment.

A misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.

The cult of celebrity often leads to unrealistic expectations of public figures.

verb

To promote or put into effect a cult or sect.

The leader sought to cult his followers, creating a tight-knit community.

From Latin 'cultus', meaning 'care', 'adoration', 'worship'.

cult following

A group of enthusiastic fans who are very devoted to a particular thing, such as a movie or show.

cult status

The elevated status of a person, movie, or band that has become highly admired by a particular group.

cult classic

A movie, book, or other work that has developed a dedicated fan base despite not being commercially successful.

sect

A subgroup of a religious, political, or philosophical belief system, often regarded as unorthodox.

faction

A small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one.

Used to describe something that has an intense and devoted fanbase.

That band has a serious cult status among indie music fans.

Referring to a person or group that exhibits extreme loyalty or devotion to an idea.

He's such a cult leader in the tech community; people follow him religiously.