Zealot

/ˈzɛlət/ noun

Definition

Someone who is fanatically devoted to a cause or belief, often taking extreme positions without questioning them.

Etymology

From Greek 'zelotes' (imitator, zealous one), from 'zelos' (zeal, enthusiasm). Also refers to the Zealots, a radical Jewish sect during Roman times.

Kelly Says

The Zealots were an actual political-religious group in ancient Judea fighting against Rome—now 'zealot' describes anyone obsessively devoted to a cause, whether it's sports teams or political ideologies!

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