define fanaticism
Fanaticism and fanatic come from the Latin adverb fÄnÄticÄ (fren-fÄnÄticus (enthusiastic, ecstatic; raging, fanatical, furious). Fanaticism is a belief or behavior involving uncritical zeal or with an obsessive enthusiasm. Philosopher George Santayana defines fanaticism as redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim. The fanatic displays very strict standards and little tolerance for contrary ideas or opinions.