catechize

American  

[kat-i-kahyz] / ˈkæt ɪˌkaɪz /

especially British, catechise

verb (used with object)

catechized, catechizing

1. to instruct orally by means of questions and answers, especially in Christian doctrine.

2. to question with reference to belief.

3. to question closely.

   Synonyms:

   probe, examine, quiz, interrogate

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catechize British  

/ ˈkætɪˌkaɪz /

verb

1. to teach or examine by means of questions and answers

2. to give oral instruction in Christianity, esp by using a catechism

3. to put questions to (someone)

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Other Word Forms

• catechist noun
• catechistic adjective
• catechistically adverb
• catechizable adjective
• catechization noun
• catechizer noun
• uncatechized adjective

Etymology

Origin of catechize

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin catēchizāre < Greek katēchízein to make (someone) learn by teaching orally, equivalent to katēch ( eîn ) to teach orally ( see catechist) + -izein -ize

Example Sentences

Then the Cardinal began to catechize the priest who had once been an assistant to his secretariat.

From Time Magazine Archive

If from these lists you wander as you steer, Look back, and catechize your actions here.

From Poems of Henry Vaughan, Silurist, Volume II by Chambers, E. K. (Edmund Kerchever)

Once a year the minister comes to Miss Einarsen's to catechize the children; but Miss Einarsen always stands behind the one who is being questioned and whispers the right answer.

From What Happened to Inger Johanne As Told by Herself by Zwilgmeyer, Dikken

Her Form mates, more inquisitive than Miss Gibbs, gathered round her and began to catechize.

From The Madcap of the School by Salmon, Balliol

Well, you needn't catechize me!" he said, nettled by her tone, "or not in that way, at any rate.

From Marriage à la mode by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.