Cult
WordNet
noun
(1) An interest followed with exaggerated zeal
"He always follows the latest fads"
"It was all the rage that season"
(2) A system of religious beliefs and rituals
"Devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin"
(3) Adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , , or , , , .
Noun
- A group or doctrine with religious, philosophical or cultural identity sometimes viewed as a sect, often existent on the margins of society and/or exploitative towards its members.
- Devotion to a saint.
Adjective
Usage notes
The term has a positive connotation for groups of art, music, writing, fiction, and fashion devotees, but a negative connotation for new religious, extreme political, questionable therapeutic, and pyramidal business groups.