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| cult [ kult ] (plural cults) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. religion: a system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false, and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader
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2. religious group: a group of people who share religious or spiritual beliefs, especially beliefs regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false
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3. idolization of somebody or something: an extreme or excessive admiration for a person, philosophy of life, or activity
(
often used before a noun
)
  the cult of youth
a cult hero
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4. object of idolization: a person, philosophy, or activity regarded with extreme or excessive admiration
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5. fad: something popular or fashionable among a devoted group of enthusiasts
(
often used before a noun
)
has taken on cult status
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6. cultural anthropology system of supernatural beliefs: a body of organized practices and beliefs supposed to involve interaction with and control over supernatural powers
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7. sociology elite group: a self-identified group of people who share a narrowly defined interest or perspective
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| [Early 17th century. Directly or via French< Latin cultus "worship" < colere "cultivate"] |
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| cult·ic adjective |
| cult·ish adjective |
| cult·ish·ly adverb |
| cult·ish·ness noun |
| cult·ism noun |
| cult·ist noun |
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