'cultist' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'cult' with the agent suffix '-ist', where 'cult' came via French 'culte' from Latin 'cultus' meaning 'care, cultivation, worship'.

'cult' came into English from French 'culte', which derived from Latin 'cultus' (past participle of 'colere', 'to cultivate' or 'to worship'); English then formed 'cultist' by adding '-ist' to refer to a follower or practitioner.

Initially related to 'care' or 'cultivation' and later to 'worship' or organized religious practice; over time 'cult' narrowed to small or unorthodox religious groups and 'cultist' came to mean a follower of such a group or someone fanatically devoted.