noun
zealot
ZEHL-uht
Zealot (noun) means someone so committed to a cause or belief that they pursue it with extreme, often unreasonable intensity. Example: “The reform movement was hijacked by a handful of zealots.”
noun
1
Someone so committed to a cause or belief that they pursue it with extreme, often unreasonable intensity.
"The reform movement was hijacked by a handful of zealots."
"He argued like a zealot, refusing to accept any counterpoint."
2
Historically, a member of a Jewish political movement in first-century Judea that violently resisted Roman rule.
"The Zealots led the revolt against Roman occupation in 66 CE."
How to use zealot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose devotion to a cause tips into fanaticism.
Common mistake
Almost always carries a negative or critical tone — calling someone a zealot is rarely a compliment.
Common pairings
religious zealot
political zealot
a zealot for the cause
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Word forms
- Plural
- zealots
Fill the gap
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The reform movement was hijacked by a handful of _____.
Etymology
From Greek zēlōtēs ("zealous follower"), from zēlos ("zeal"); originally the name for a fierce anti-Roman Jewish faction before it became a general word for any fanatic.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “zealot” mean?
The word “zealot” means someone so committed to a cause or belief that they pursue it with extreme, often unreasonable intensity. In plain terms, someone whose devotion to a cause tips into fanaticism.
How do you pronounce “zealot”?
“Zealot” is pronounced ZEHL-uht (/ˈzɛl.ət/ in IPA).
How do you use “zealot” in a sentence?
Here is “zealot” used in a sentence: “The reform movement was hijacked by a handful of zealots.”
What part of speech is “zealot”?
“Zealot” is a noun.
Where does the word “zealot” come from?
The word “zealot” comes from Greek. From Greek zēlōtēs ("zealous follower"), from zēlos ("zeal"); originally the name for a fierce anti-Roman Jewish faction before it became a general word for any fanatic.
How many meanings does “zealot” have?
“Zealot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone so committed to a cause or belief that they pursue it with extreme, often unreasonable intensity.
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