fanaticize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /fəˈnætɪˌsaɪz/
KK: /fəˈnætɪˌsaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To act in an extreme or obsessive way about a particular belief or cause.
Example
He tends to fanaticize about his favorite sports team, often losing touch with reality.
Tense Forms
Past: fanaticized
Past Participle: fanaticized
Conversation
Did you see how some fans fanaticize over that band?
Yeah, it’s wild how passionate they get about everything!
I mean, it's great to be a fan, but some take it too far.
Totally! It's all about enjoying the music, not losing your mind.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
obsess
fervor
zeal
Antonyms
indifference
apathy
disinterest
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to become extremely enthusiastic or passionate about something, often to an excessive degree.
Example
The coach fanaticized the team about winning the championship.
Tense Forms
Past: fanaticized
Past Participle: fanaticized
Conversation
Have you noticed how some people can really fanaticize about sports teams?
Absolutely! It's like their entire life revolves around it.
I wonder what makes them so passionate to fanaticize that much.
Root Explanation
Fanaticize → It is formed from "fanatic" (from Latin "fanaticus", meaning inspired by a deity or frenzied) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "fanaticize" means to make someone into a fanatic or to inspire frenzied enthusiasm.
Memory Tip
Think of someone becoming 'inspired' ('fanaticus') to the point of being frenzied — that's what it means to fanaticize someone.
Visually Confused Words
anticize
asiaticize