Bhakts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who fervently support a political leader, particularly in the context of Indian politics
2. Devotees or followers of a particular ideology or movement, often characterized by strong emotional attachment
3. Members of a community that actively promotes and defends specific beliefs or principles, typically in relation to cultural or religious identity

Etymology: "Bhakts" is the plural of "bhakt", a transliteration of the Hindi word भक्त, meaning devotee or follower. The Hindi term comes from the Sanskrit notion of "bhakti", devotion to a deity, and in its religious sense it describes someone who worships with faithful dedication. The political sense is more recent and more pointed. It is a clipping of the Hindi phrase अंधभक्त, literally "blind follower", so the term carries an implicit criticism: a supporter who defends a leader or party without question. The English use of "bhakts" therefore borrows a devotional word and turns it into a label for uncritical political loyalty, often said with disapproval.

Synonyms: devotees, followers, worshippers, adherents, disciples

Antonyms: nonbelievers, atheists, doubters, skeptics, dissenters