'cult-promoting' originates as a compound of English 'cult' and the present participle 'promoting' (from the verb 'promote'). 'Cult' ultimately comes from Latin 'cultus' meaning 'care, cultivation, worship.' 'Promote' originates from Latin 'promovere' meaning 'to move forward, advance.'

'cult' entered English in the 17th century via French/Latin influence from Latin 'cultus' (meaning 'care, worship'). 'Promote' came into Middle English from Latin 'promovere' through Old French (cf. French 'promouvoir'), and its present participle formed in English as 'promoting.' The compound 'cult-promoting' is a modern descriptive combination formed in English by linking the noun and participle.

Initially, 'cult' in Latin meant 'care, cultivation, worship,' and 'promote' meant 'to move forward or advance.' Over time 'cult' narrowed in modern English to often mean a fringe religious or social group, and 'promote' came to mean 'to support or encourage.' Combined, 'cult-promoting' now means 'encouraging or supporting a cult.'