fanatic

• fanatick (obsolete)

First attested in 1525. From Latin fānāticus (“of a temple, divinely inspired, frenzied”), from fānum (“temple”). Influenced by French fanatique.

• IPA^(key): /fəˈnæt.ɪk/

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• Rhymes: -ætɪk

fanatic (comparative more fanatic, superlative most fanatic)

1. Fanatical.
   • T. Moore

     But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast / To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.

2. (obsolete) Showing evidence of possession by a god or demon; frenzied, overzealous.

fanatic (plural fanatics)

1. A person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion.

• fan
• crank

• A zealot can't change his mind. A fanatic can't change his mind and won't change the subject. —Winston Churchill (attributed)
• A fanatic is one who redoubles his effort when he has forgotten his aim. —George Santayana

• actifan