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Fanatical means having and being motivated by an extreme and often unquestioning enthusiasm, devotion, or zeal for something, such as a religion, political stance, or cause.

A person who shows such extreme enthusiasm or devotion is called a fanatic. Sometimes, fanatic is used negatively to imply that someone takes such devotion too far, as in They’re considered religious fanatics due to their extreme practices. Close synonyms are extremist, radical, and zealot.

Other times, fanatic is not used negatively but instead simply refers to someone who is extreme in their devotion or enthusiasm for an interest or hobby. For example, calling someone a sports fanatic means they’re an extremely enthusiastic fan of sports. In fact, the word fan is a shortening of fanatic.

Fanatical can be used to describe either a kind of fanatic or such a person’s beliefs or behavior.

Example: We dismiss these extreme beliefs by calling them fanatical, but they may be more widespread than we think.

The first records of the word fanatical come from the mid-1500s. The suffix -al makes it the adjective form of fanatic, which comes from the Latin �������پ����ܲ�, meaning “pertaining to a temple, inspired by divinity, frantic.”

The devotion and enthusiasm of a fanatic goes beyond normal interest. It’s intense, extreme, and often unconditional, meaning it will probably continue no matter what—even in spite of evidence that such fanatical beliefs are wrong or dangerous.

Even when fanatic is not used in a negative way and simply refers to a fan, it often implies that someone is a die-hard fan who will continue to support the subject of their fanatical fandom no matter what.

What are some other forms related to fanatical?

• fanatically (adverb)
• fanatic (noun, adjective)

What are some synonyms for fanatical?

• radical
• zealous
• frenzied

What are some words that share a root or word element with fanatical?��

• fanaticism
• fanaticize
• fan

What are some words that often get used in discussing fanatical?

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• religion
• sports
• politics
• extremist
• zealot
• belief

Fanatical is usually used negatively, especially in the context of religion and politics.

My respect to the past actions of your grandfather do not equate to a tolerance of fanatical nationalism at the expense of the country's social and economic interest. Things are more complicated than you make them out.

— Dr Benjamin Janaway (@drjanaway)

Movies are literally my entire life and my entire career and I still struggle to wrap my head around movie lovers being *this* fanatical about movies. It unnerves me.

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace)

I understand that my obsession and subsequent defense of the iPhone and AT&T borders on fanatical. You don't have to remind me.

— Michael Deppisch (@deppisch)

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Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of fanatical?

A. frenzied
B. zealous
C. mild
D. zealous