baptism

American  

[bap-tiz-uhm] / ˈbæp tɪz əm /

noun

1. Ecclesiastical. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.

2. any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.

   Synonyms:

   introduction, admittance, induction

3. a trying or purifying experience or initiation.

4. Christian Science. purification of thought and character.

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baptism British  

/ ˈbæpˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church

2. the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism

3. any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication

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baptism Cultural  

1. The ceremony of initiation into Christianity; in most Christian churches, it is considered a sacrament. Persons baptized either have water poured on them or are immersed in water; some groups of Christians (see also Christian) insist on immersion. The effect of baptism, in Christian belief, is to cleanse persons of their sins, so that they are born into a new life with Jesus. Most churches baptize members when they are infants, but some groups, like the Baptists, insist on adult baptism. Jesus himself was baptized. (See John the Baptist.)

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Other Word Forms

• baptismal adjective
• baptismally adverb
• postbaptismal adjective
• pseudobaptismal adjective
• rebaptism noun

Etymology

Origin of baptism

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Late Latin baptisma, from Greek bapt(ízein) “to immerse” ( baptize ) + -isma -ism; replacing Middle English bapteme, from Old French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Wherever they went, they were offered baptism, and some in their affliction converted and stayed behind, but very few.

From Literature

Michael Carrick looked to have been handed a baptism of fire with Manchester City and Arsenal dished up in the first two games of his reign.

From Barron's

"The day before my baptism, they asked me how much money I was making and I told them," she says.

From BBC

Former midfielder Carrick was installed as boss until the end of the season this week and faces a baptism of fire when Manchester City visit on Saturday.

From Barron's

In another part of town, a store owner who sells quinceañera and baptism dresses said her sales have dropped by 60% every month since August, and clients have postponed shopping.

From Los Angeles Times