Zealot
/ˈzɛl.ət/noun
A person who is fanatically committed to a cause or belief.
Did you know?The term 'zealot' originally referred to a radical Jewish sect in the first century, known for their fierce resistance against Roman rule, embodying extreme passion that sometimes spilled into violence.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs)
“One who is zealous, a fanatical supporter.”
1st Century
Greek
Ζηλωτής (Zēlōtēs)
“A member of a Jewish sect that resisted Roman occupation.”
Latin
Latin
zelotes
“A zealous person, particularly in a religious context.”
Old French
Old French
zelot
“A person of great zeal or fervor, especially in a religious sense.”
Middle English
Middle English
zelot
“A person who shows excessive zeal, especially in religion.”
Modern English
English
zealot
“A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.”