zealots

[ˈzɛləts]
nounpl: zealots
zelotes
1. People who are fanatical and uncompromising in their pursuit of religious, political, or ideological goals
Religious zealots often reject any viewpoint that contradicts their beliefs.
Os zelotes religiosos frequentemente rejeitam qualquer ponto de vista que contradiga suas crenças.
2. Individuals who display excessive zeal or enthusiasm, often to an extreme or obsessive degree
The environmental zealots demanded immediate action on climate change.
Os zelotes ambientalistas exigiam ação imediata sobre as mudanças climáticas.
3. Members of a Jewish sect in the 1st century CE who opposed Roman rule
The zealots played a significant role in the First Jewish-Roman War.
Os zelotes tiveram um papel significativo na Primeira Guerra Judaico-Romana.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'zelotes' is the direct historical/religious term, while 'fanáticos' is more commonly used in everyday speech to describe obsessive enthusiasts. In the USA, the term often carries negative connotations suggesting dangerous extremism, whereas in academic or historical contexts (referencing the ancient Zealots), it is neutral. The word has become increasingly politicized in contemporary discourse across both cultures.
NYC Slang
true believers, ride-or-dies
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fanaticsextremiststrue believersfundamentalistsdevotees
Antonyms / Antônimos
moderatespragmatistsskepticsapathetics

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
zelotes
Most common formal translation; also used as 'fanáticos'
Brazil (informal)
fanáticos
More colloquial alternative widely used in contemporary speech
São Paulo
zelotes/fanáticos
Both terms used equally in media and academic contexts
Portugal
zelotes
More formal usage; 'fanáticos' also acceptable in informal contexts

Related Words

zealotryzealouszealfanaticismextremism

Related Idioms & Phrases

preach to the converted
true believer
drinking the Kool-Aid
true to the faith
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