【Follower】 , 【adherent】 , 【disciple】 , 【sectary】 , 【partisan】 , 【henchman】 , 【satellite】 are comparable when denoting one who attaches himself to another.
【Follower】 is the inclusive term, denoting a person who attaches himself to the person or opinions of another. Its synonyms divide themselves into two groups, the first three designating a 【follower】 through choice or conviction and the last three a 【follower】 in whom personal devotion overshadows or eclipses the critical faculty.
【Adherent】 connotes closer and more persistent attachment than 【follower】 ; it may be used without any implication of the personality of the teacher or leader.
【Disciple】 typically presupposes a master or teacher and implies personal, often devoted, adherence to his views or doctrines, but it may also imply similar adherence to a school of thought or governing principle.
【Sectary】 (see also HERETIC ) usually implies the acceptance of the doctrines of a teacher or body.
【Partisan】 suggests such devotion to the person or opinions of another or to a party, a creed, or a school of thought that there is incapacity for seeing from any other point of view. It often, therefore, connotes bigotry or prejudice.
【Henchman】 is commonly applied to a subservient 【follower】 of a political leader or boss; in extended use it connotes abject submission to the will of a dominating and, usually, unscrupulous leader or group.
【Satellite】 , more than any of the others, suggests devotion to the person of the leader and constant obsequious attendance on him.
