zealot

This term carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting an obsession that has crossed the line from passion into irrationality or dangerous rigidity. It describes someone whose commitment to a cause is so absolute that they become blind to reason or compromise, often implying a willingness to use extreme measures. When capitalized as Zealot, the word refers specifically to the historical Jewish sect of the first century. In this historical context, the term denotes a specific political and religious identity characterized by militant resistance against foreign rule, rather than a general personality trait.