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cult

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The definition of a cult is a group of people with extreme dedication to a certain leader or set of beliefs that are often viewed as odd by others, or is an excessive and misplaced admiration for someone or something, or is something that is popular among a certain segment of society.

(noun)

People who follow a creepy pseudo-religious leader who makes them believe that their salvation lies in giving him money are an example of a cult.
When a particular famous killer on death row has a strong following, this is an example of a cult following.
The Rocky Horror Picture show is an example of a cult film.

See cult in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. a system of religious worship or ritual
2. a quasi-religious group, often living in a colony, with a charismatic leader who indoctrinates members with unorthodox or extremist views, practices, or beliefs
1. devoted attachment to, or extravagant admiration for, a person, principle, or lifestyle, esp. when regarded as a fad: the cult of nudism
2. the object of such attachment
a group of followers; sect

Origin: < L cultus, care, cultivation, orig. pp. of colere, to till: see wheel

Related Forms:

cultic adjective
cultism noun
cultist noun

See cult in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cult

noun

a. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
b. The followers of such a religion or sect.
A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
a. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
b. The object of such devotion.
An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

Origin: Latin cultus, worship, from past participle of colere, to cultivate; see k^wel-¹ in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms: