cult in WordNet English dictionary

1. an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
   "he always follows the latest fads"; "it was all the rage that season"
   fad  craze  furor  furore  cult  rage 
   
2. a system of religious beliefs and rituals
   "devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin"
   cult  cultus  religious cult 
   
3. a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false
   "it was a satanic cult"
   cult 
   
4. followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
   cult 
   
5. followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
   cult