ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cult

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈkəɫt// UK //kˈʌlt// cult Informal Vulgar

n. a group of people who follow a leader or a set of ideas very strongly, often in a way that others find strange. It can also describe a small group of very dedicated fans who love a specific movie or band.

n. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object; alternatively, a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. Often used to describe a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.


SIMPLE

The old movie has a huge cult following.

CONTEXTUAL

The documentary explores how the charismatic leader convinced his followers to join the cult and move to a remote farm.

COMPLEX

While the film was a commercial failure upon its initial release, it eventually achieved cult status among horror enthusiasts who appreciated its unconventional narrative structure and dark humor.

Synonyms
Origin

Derived from French culte, from Latin cultus (“care, adoration; cult”), from colō (“cultivate; protect”).

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'cult classic' or 'cult following'.

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