summit fever

The term "summit fever" originates from mountaineering but has broader applications in describing obsessive goal pursuit.

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Definition

C1Mountaineering

(technical)A strong, often irrational drive to reach the top of a mountain, ignoring risks and safety.

Example

  • Many climbers suffer from summit fever, leading them to make dangerous decisions on the mountain.

B2General

(figurative)An intense need to complete a task or achieve a goal, often at the expense of personal well-being or safety.

Example

  • Her summit fever made her work late into the night, ignoring her health.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "summit fever":

white fevercabin feverspring feverpageant feverpeak baggingfever dream