Zealotizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To fervently advocate or promote an idea or cause with passionate intensity and unwavering devotion
2. To display excessive enthusiasm or fanatical dedication toward a belief or pursuit, often leading to zealous behavior
3. To influence or transform others by imparting intense commitment and fervor for a particular ideology or objective

Etymology: "Zealot" comes from Late Latin "zelotes," borrowed from Greek "zēlōtēs," a word for someone who emulates or strives after an example. It is built on "zēlos," meaning eager rivalry or fervour. The Greek term also named a Jewish faction that resisted Roman rule in Judea, and that political sense gave the English word its association with uncompromising partisanship. "Zealotize" adds the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which comes from Greek "-izein" and in English turns nouns and adjectives into verbs meaning to make something, or to act in a certain way. Joined to "zealot," it means to make others zealots, spreading one's own passionate commitment to a cause. It is a rare formation, and its meaning follows directly from its parts.

Synonyms: fanaticizes, radicalizes

Antonyms: moderates