What does zealot mean?
A zealot is a person who pursues a belief, cause, or practice with exceptional intensity, often becoming uncompromising or intolerant of dissent. The word is used most often in a negative sense to characterize religious, political, or ideological fanatics, but it can also describe an enthusiast whose commitment is treated approvingly. Its force comes from the implication that devotion has displaced judgment, tolerance, or openness to opposing views. For that reason, “zealot” is often more pointed than the neutral words “enthusiast,” “supporter,” or “advocate.” The term has an ancient history: it ultimately comes from a Greek word associated with zeal or ardor, and capitalized “Zealot” can refer to members of the first-century Jewish political movement of that name. Today, the word is principally a way of describing fanatical commitment rather than merely strong enthusiasm.
nounA person who is fanatically committed to a belief, cause, or practice, often to the point of intolerance or disregard for opposing views.
- A person who is intensely and often fanatically committed to a belief, cause, or practice.
"Even a sincere reformer can become a zealot when compassion gives way to self-righteousness."
"The committee dismissed him as a political zealot rather than a serious critic."
"Her grandfather was a quiet zealot of manuscript preservation, cataloguing every surviving fragment."
The regular plural adds -s and is used in the same senses as the singular form.
"The two zealots refused to compromise."
The political force of the word has ancient roots: the first-century Jewish Zealots gave it an enduring association with militant devotion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zealot come from?
Zealot entered English through French and Latin forms derived from the Greek zēlōtēs, an agent noun connected with zēlos, meaning zeal or ardor. The English word appeared in the early 17th century and initially carried a strongly religious and political emphasis. English cognates such as zeal, zealous, and jealous developed through related Latin forms of the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How zealot is actually used
The word is usually derogatory or disapproving because it emphasizes obsessive, one-sided devotion and a willingness to dismiss opposing views. It can occasionally be used more neutrally for an exceptionally enthusiastic adherent. Capitalized, “Zealot” can refer specifically to a member of the ancient Jewish Zealot movement.
Easily confused with zealot
A zealot is the person who displays zeal; zeal is the intense devotion or passion itself.