Groups of people intensely devoted to a person, idea, or movement.

Traditionally, "cult" was a term used for any new religious movement. A number of currently well-established religious groups, including the Methodists, Mormons, Christian Scientists, and Seventh-Day Adventists, were considered cults when they were first formed, and Christianity itself began as a cult that broke away from Judaism. Since the 1960s, the term "cult" has taken on a new significance as groups with a wide variety of belief systems and customs have attracted members (often young people) who abandon mainstream lifestyles to devote themselves to these new cults and their leaders.

Although the philosophies and activities of cults vary, most of them have certain characteristics in common, most notably allegiance to a charismatic leader believed to have transcendent or divine qualities who commands complete devotion and strict obedience from cult members. Other common features include unquestioning belief in...