fanaticism
noun C2
Plain meaning
extreme and unreasonable support for a belief or cause
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe extreme and unreasonable support for a belief or cause, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned fanaticism as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines fanaticism in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear fanaticismevidence of fanaticismwidespread fanaticism
Watch out
Do not use “fanaticism” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.