# fanatical

/fəˈnætɪkəɫ/ (US) · /fɐnˈætɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fanatical
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

having an extreme and sometimes dangerous level of interest or enthusiasm for something. You use this to describe someone who cares about a topic or hobby much more than a normal person would.

For teachers: characterised by excessive enthusiasm or uncritical devotion to a cause, hobby, or belief system. Often carries a negative connotation of irrationality or obsession.

## Examples

- He is a fanatical supporter of the local football team.
- Her fanatical attention to detail made her a great editor, but it also made her very difficult to work with.
- The movement was driven by a fanatical commitment to its founding principles, often ignoring practical realities in favor of ideological purity.

## Usage notes

- Can be used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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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.