# fanatic

/fəˈnætɪk/ (US) · /fɐnˈætɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fanatic
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

someone who has extremely strong beliefs or interests that other people might find too much. You use this for people who are obsessed with a hobby or a religion.

For teachers: a person motivated by excessive enthusiasm and often uncritical devotion, particularly regarding religious or political matters. In modern usage, it frequently describes someone with an intense interest in a specific hobby or pursuit.

## Examples

- My brother is a real fitness fanatic who works out every day.
- The movie star was followed everywhere by a group of fanatics who had waited hours just to see him.

## Usage notes

- Often used with a modifying noun to specify the area of interest, such as 'sports fanatic' or 'health fanatic'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.