Fanaticism

Origins

ad. L. fanatic-us, f. fanum temple: see -ATIC. Cf. Fr. fanatique.

Definitions

• 1. The condition of being, or supposing oneself to be, possessed. Obs.

• 2. The tendency to indulge in wild and extravagant notions, esp. in religious matters; excessive enthusiasm, frenzy; an instance, a particular form, of this.

a. A fanatic person; a visionary; an unreasoning enthusiast. Applied in the latter half of the 17th c. to Nonconformists as a hostile epithet.

b. In a weaker sense: Eagerness or enthusiasm in any pursuit.

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Quote

The life purpose must be jealously guarded from the temptation to seek for easy and transient attainment; likewise must it be so fostered as to become immune to the disastrous threats of fanaticism. (160:3.5)