cult Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
  2. noun an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
    rage; fad; furore; furor; craze.
    • he always follows the latest fads
    • it was all the rage that season
  3. noun followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
  4. noun a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false
    • it was a satanic cult
  5. noun a system of religious beliefs and rituals
    religious cult; cultus.
    • devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin

WordNet

Cult noun
Etymology
F. culte, L. cultus care, culture, fr. colere to cultivate. Cf. Cultus.
Definitions
  1. Attentive care; homage; worship.
    Every one is convinced of the reality of a better self, and of. thecult or homage which is due to it. Shaftesbury.
  2. A system of religious belief and worship.
    That which was the religion of Moses is the ceremonial or cult of the religion of Christ. Coleridge.

Webster 1913