anti-cult
|an-ti-cult|
/ˌæn.tiˈkʌlt/
against cult(s)
Etymology
'anti-cult' originates from modern English as a compound of the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'cult'; 'anti-' ultimately comes from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', and 'cult' comes from Latin 'cultus' meaning 'care, cultivation, worship'.
'cult' comes from Latin 'cultus' (meaning 'care, cultivation, worship'), passed into English via sense development in post-medieval usage; the prefix 'anti-' is from Greek 'anti' ('against'). The compound 'anti-cult' arose in modern English usage in the 20th century, especially in reference to movements opposing new religious movements.
Originally elements meant 'against' + 'worship/cultivation', but the compound evolved to mean specifically opposition to groups labeled as cults or to the modern anti-cult movement and related activities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person, group, or movement that opposes cults or works to challenge, expose, or limit the influence of groups considered to be cults (often used in contexts like 'the anti-cult movement').
The anti-cult has organized public meetings to warn families about recruitment methods.
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Adjective 1
opposed to cults or to the activities and influence of groups regarded as cults (used before a noun or after a linking verb).
An anti-cult organization released a report on recruitment tactics.
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Last updated: 2025/10/24 01:18