zealots

Zealot is a term used to describe a person who is ardently devoted to a cause, often with uncompromising or militant methods. The word derives from the Greek zelotes, meaning "zealous" or "jealous," and was used in ancient sources to label certain intense religious and political groups. In English, it has since broadened to refer to anyone with extreme or fanatical devotion to a cause.

In Judea during the first century CE, the Zealots were a Jewish political-religious movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule and oppose Hellenistic influence. They included the radical faction known as the Sicarii, who conducted targeted killings as part of their campaign. The Zealots were active during the lead-up to and the course of the First Jewish–Roman War (66–70 CE), contributing to unrest and the eventual destruction of the Second Temple; after the war, the movement largely disappeared.

In Christian tradition, one of the apostles is listed as Simon the Zealot, a designation that appears in the Gospel lists (notably Luke 6:15) and in Acts 1:13. The exact meaning of the epithet is debated; it may indicate his prior association with the Zealot movement or simply signify his zealous faith.

Modern usage often describes a zealot as a person who is excessively or fanatically devoted to a belief or cause, sometimes implying intolerance or a willingness to adopt drastic measures. The term can carry neutral, descriptive, or pejorative implications depending on context.