baptize

especially British, bap·tise

[bap-tahyz, bap-tahyz]

verb (used with object)

baptized, baptizing 

1. to immerse in water or sprinkle or pour water on in the Christian rite of baptism.

   They baptized the new baby.

2. to cleanse spiritually; initiate or dedicate by purifying.

3. to give a name to at baptism; christen.

verb (used without object)

baptized, baptizing 

1. to administer baptism.

baptize

/ bæpˈtaɪz /

verb

1. Christianity to immerse (a person) in water or sprinkle water on (a person) as part of the rite of baptism

2. (tr) to give a name to; christen

3. (tr) to cleanse; purify

Other Word Forms

• baptizable adjective
• baptizement noun
• baptizer noun
• rebaptize verb
• self-baptizer noun
• unbaptized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of baptize¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Late Latin baptizāre, from Greek baptízein “to immerse,” from bápt(ein) “to dip” + -izein -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of baptize¹

C13: from Late Latin baptīzāre , from Greek baptizein , from baptein to bathe, dip

Example Sentences

“As a missionary, we didn’t have to receive special permission from somebody in order to baptize an undocumented individual,” she recalled.

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To this day, at the start of every new season in Statesboro, any new players or coaches are “baptized” in its magical waters.

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Once lawfully allowed in with provisional humanitarian status, they found our church — where they could be baptized and publicly profess their faith in Jesus — and legal help to begin their asylum request.

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In 2024, he doubled down on his commitment to Christianity and was baptized in the River Thames.

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He knows the rules better than most baptized Catholics.

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Related Words

• immerse