cult

/kʌlt/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A system of religious beliefs and rituals: A set of practices and devotional acts centered around a particular figure or object.
    • A religion or sect considered unorthodox or extremist: A group, often small, that is viewed as having beliefs or practices outside the mainstream or societal norms.
    • An exclusive group of followers: People who adhere to a specific, often rigid, system of beliefs, frequently under a charismatic leader.
    • Exaggerated devotion to a person, idea, or activity: A fashion or fad that is pursued with intense, sometimes uncritical, enthusiasm.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The ancient cult of Dionysus involved ecstatic rituals. (This refers to a system of religious beliefs.)
    • Authorities were concerned about the dangerous cult operating in the remote compound. (This refers to an unorthodox or extremist sect.)
    • He was a devoted member of the cult for over a decade. (This refers to the group of followers.)
    • The cult of celebrity often ignores personal flaws. (This refers to exaggerated, fad-like devotion.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Personality cult": Excessive public admiration for a powerful leader, often encouraged by propaganda.
    • The dictator fostered a pervasive personality cult.
  • "Cult following": A group of fans who are extremely dedicated to a particular work of art, film, book, etc., often one not broadly popular.
    • The film developed a cult following years after its release.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cultural (adj): Pertaining to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society. (Note: This is a distinct, broader term.)
  • Cultish (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a cult.
    • The group's cultish devotion to its leader was alarming.
  • Cultist (n): A member or follower of a cult.
    • The cultists were completely isolated from their families.
Synonyms
  • Sect: A religious group that has separated from a larger denomination.
  • Fad: An intense but short-lived enthusiasm for something.
  • Devotion: Profound dedication or love.
Related Phrases
  • Cult classic: A movie, book, or other work that has acquired a cult following.
    • "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is considered a cult classic.
  • Cult status: The condition of having a cult following.
    • The indie video game achieved cult status among players.
Related Idioms
  • Drink the Kool-Aid: (Idiom, derived from a historical cult tragedy) To become an unquestioning believer in a dogma or ideology; to accept something uncritically.
    • He had completely drunk the Kool-Aid and wouldn't listen to any criticism of the group's philosophy.
Noun
  1. a system of religious beliefs and rituals
    • devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin
  2. a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false
    • it was a satanic cult
  3. followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
  4. an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
    • he always follows the latest fads
    • it was all the rage that season
  5. followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices

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