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Fanatic vs Extremist - What's the difference?

fanatic | extremist |

As adjectives the difference between fanatic and extremist

is that fanatic is fanatical while extremist is holding extreme views, especially on a political subject.

As nouns the difference between fanatic and extremist

is that fanatic is a person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion while extremist is a person who holds extreme views, especially one who advocates such views; a radical or fanatic.

fanatic

English

Alternative forms

* fanatick (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Fanatical.
  • * T. Moore
    • But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast / To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.
  • (obsolete) Showing evidence of possession by a god or demon; frenzied, overzealous.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion.

    • See also

    * fan * crank

    Quotations

    * A zealot can't change his mind. A fanatic can't change his mind and won't change the subject. — (attributed) * A fanatic is one who redoubles his effort when he has forgotten his aim. —

    extremist

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • a person who holds extreme views, especially one who advocates such views; a radical or fanatic

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • holding extreme views, especially on a political subject
  • of, or relating to extremism