cult
Definitions
A small group with extreme, often unhealthy devotion to a leader, belief, or practice.
邪教；狂热崇拜的小团体
A system of religious worship, especially one directed at a particular figure.
（宗教）崇拜，祭仪
Admired by a small but devoted group of fans.
（作品等）受小众狂热追捧的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedStraight from Latin cultus, the past participle of colere. To colere a god meant to 'tend' the deity — keep its rites and shrine. cultus was thus 'worship, devotion.' English first used cult for any system of worship; it later narrowed to a small group with intense, sometimes troubling devotion. The adjective (a cult film) keeps the 'devoted following' idea without the alarm.
Root cult still carries 38 more wordsUsage Guide
- Negative sense (most common): a religious or social group seen as manipulative — 'He joined a cult.'
- Neutral academic sense: 'the cult of Apollo' = an organized system of worship, no judgment.
- As a modifier: cult film / cult classic / cult following = adored by a small, intense fanbase, not mainstream. 'It became a cult hit.'
Note: calling something 'a cult' (noun) is usually negative; calling it 'a cult favorite' (modifier) is positive.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The group was widely described as a dangerous cult.
- 2.
The ancient cult of the sun god lasted for centuries.
- 3.
The film flopped at first but later became a cult classic.