Meaning & Definition of word "Fanatical"

Fanatical

/fəˈnætɪkəl/

adjective:

  • 1. excessively enthusiastic or zealous in a particular cause or belief.
    • Example: His fanatical support for the team made him travel across the country to see every game.
  • 2. marked by excessive enthusiasm or intense devotion.
    • Example: The fanatical followers of the cult would do anything their leader commanded.
  • 3. showing an extreme, irrational commitment to a belief.
    • Example: Her fanatical approach to diet and exercise left little room for anything else in her life.

Etymology

Derives from the Latin 'fanaticus', meaning 'inspired by a deity, frantic, frenzied', from 'fanum' meaning 'temple'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fanatical about something:

Exhibiting excessive enthusiasm or zeal for a particular interest.

fanatical supporters:

People who are extremely devoted to a person, team, or cause.

fanatical in belief:

Holding an intense and unyielding belief.

Related Words

fanatic:

A person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal.

fanaticism:

The quality of being fanatical.

fanatically:

In a fanatic manner.

Slang Meanings of fanatical

Meaning: Over-the-top supporter

Example Sentence: He's such an over-the-top supporter of that brand, it's almost fanatical.

Meaning: Die-hard fan

Example Sentence: She's a die-hard fan of that band, always attending their concerts.