Word

cult

noun C1

/kʌlt/

Meanings

noun

A group with extreme devotion to a leader or belief system, often using controlling or manipulative methods.

noun

A small but very enthusiastic group of people who strongly admire a particular idea, style, product, or artist.

Definition

A cult is a group that shows extreme devotion to a leader, belief system, or practice, often in a controlling way.

A cult is a social group that demands intense loyalty and often separates members from outside influence. It may center on a charismatic leader or a rigid set of beliefs and rules. The word usually carries a negative meaning because such groups can manipulate or control members. It can also describe something that has a small but very passionate following.

Examples

I was uneasy when the cult discouraged members from speaking to their families.
You can tell it’s a cult when dissent is punished and the leader’s choices are treated as absolute truth.
He left the cult after realizing how carefully his contacts and routines were being monitored.
She studied how a cult can reshape people’s identities through ritual, repetition, and isolation.
They joked about the cult following of that old film, even though it never did well at the box office.

Common mistake

Learners often use “cult” for any religion, but it usually implies extreme devotion and harmful control, so choose it carefully.