According to Webster's Dictionary, a cult can be formal religious worship or a system of religious beliefs and rituals. However, this word can mean different things to different people. Religious cults are the most well-known of the groups. Usually, members are taught to define the world in terms of an imminent Armageddon. Only the group members will be saved while non-believers will perish.
Therapeutic cults are similar to religious cults.
The difference between them is that members worship a leader who has reached a certain point of psychological perfection. The goal of this kind of group's leader is to be cured and free of life's hang-ups. In political cults, the leader has the perfect political doctrine. Extremist groups and terrorists are often described as cult-like in their methods and in the effect they have on members. Finally, there are economic cults.