fanatic
Definitions
A person filled with excessive, uncritical zeal, especially for a religious or political cause
狂热者，盲信者（尤指宗教或政治）
(informal) A person with an intense enthusiasm for a hobby or pursuit
（非正式）狂热爱好者，…迷
Filled with or expressing extreme, uncritical enthusiasm
狂热的，盲信的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin fanaticus, 'belonging to a temple,' especially 'inspired/possessed by the temple's god.' It first described temple servants raving in divine frenzy. English kept the frenzy and dropped the temple: a fanatic is someone whose devotion has boiled over into the extreme.
Root fanum still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
The word's whole history is in one image: a temple servant shaking in a god-sent trance. That was a fanaticus — not calmly faithful, but possessed, excessive, out of control. When English borrowed it, the temple disappeared but the loss of measure remained. That is why fanatic always carries a hint of 'too much,' whether the cause is a religion, a politics, or a football team.
Usage Guide
Two tones: with a cause (religious/political fanatic) it is serious and negative — implies dangerous extremism. With a hobby (a film fanatic, a fitness fanatic) it is light and affectionate, like 'buff' or 'nut.' Context tells you which.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The attack was carried out by a religious fanatic.
- 2.
He's a complete fitness fanatic who runs every morning.
- 3.
Don't argue politics with a fanatic; they won't listen.
Easily Confused
fanatic vs fan — both go back to the same Latin word, but fan is mild and friendly (a music fan), while fanatic implies excess that has crossed a line. A fan loves a team; a fanatic might fight over it.