Zealotry

Definition

Excessive zeal or fanatical devotion to a cause, belief system, or ideology, often characterized by extreme behavior and intolerance of opposing viewpoints. Zealotry prioritizes ideological purity over pragmatism or compromise.

Example Usage

The environmental group's zealotry prevented them from acknowledging any nuance in the climate debate.

Origin

From 'zealot,' derived from Greek 'zelotes' (one who is zealous), ultimately from 'zelos' (zeal, ardor).

Fun Fact

The historical Zealots were a Jewish nationalist faction in 1st-century Palestine, known for their militant resistance to Roman occupation, giving the term its association with extreme activism.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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