What Is The Proper Definition Of The Word 'Cult'?

On this somewhat delicate terrain, trusty Merriam-Webster offers us three definitions of "cult": (1) A small religious group "not part of a larger and more accepted religion" with beliefs many regard as "extreme or dangerous." (2) A situation with something or someone cared about "very much or too much," as in "a cult of personality." (3) A small group of "very devoted supporters."