cult

Pluralcults

1. 1
   religious groupnounderogatorycountable

   A small religious group that lives apart from others and obeys one powerful leader completely.

   Like a trap that closes behind you, where one person controls everything you do.

   The group slowly turned into a cult that cut its members off from their families.

   She left the cult after the leader demanded all of her money and her silence.

   UsageSay join a cult or leave a cult.

   Similarsect

   Note
2. 2
   beloved by fansadjective

   Liked by a small but very loyal group of fans.

   Like a show only a few people watch, but they love it a lot.

   The movie flopped in theaters but later became a cult favorite on home video.

   His first album was a cult hit, loved by a small circle of devoted listeners.

   UsageSay a cult film or a cult hit.

   Oppositemainstream

   Note
3. 3
   fan followingnouncolloquialcountable

   A group of people who love a certain thing, person, or hobby very much.

   Like a club where everyone loves the same hobby.

   A small cult of fans gathers every year to celebrate the old cartoon.

   The diet has built a cult of believers who swear it changed their lives.

   UsageOften the cult of + noun: the cult of celebrity.

   Similarfollowing, fandom

   Note
4. 4
   worship of godsnouncountable

   The special worship, prayers, and ceremonies given to a god or a saint.

   Like all the special prayers and festivals held just for one god.

   The ancient city built grand temples for the cult of the sun god.

   The cult of the local saint drew pilgrims from every nearby village.

   Similarworship, veneration

   Note
5. 5
   belonging to sectsadjective

   Connected to a cult, or to the things a cult does and believes.

   The cult leader told everyone to follow strict rules.

   Police looked into the cult activities at the old farmhouse.

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