Learn English – a word for someone who follows out of fear

single-word-requests

As in the title, what is a word for someone who follows some person, concept, or idea out of fear of what will happen if they don't follow?

For example, a person who follows some god or religion out of fear of what will happen if they don't.

I'd love a "religious" word ala zealot, fanatic, devout, etc.

Best Answer

It’s not exactly fear-specific, but you might call such a person a thrall.

thrall

noun

[. . .]

  1. a person who is morally or mentally enslaved by some power, influence, or the like

[. . .]

The younger they are, the easier to brainwash and keep in thrall by sheer terror.

Source: dictionary.com definitions for “thrall”

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