evangelize

American  

[ih-van-juh-lahyz] / ɪˈvæn dʒəˌlaɪz /

especially British, evangelise

verb (used with object)

evangelized, evangelizing

1. to preach the gospel to.

2. to convert to Christianity.

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verb (used without object)

evangelized, evangelizing

1. to preach the gospel; act as an evangelist.

evangelize British  

/ ɪˈvændʒɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)

2. (intr) to advocate a cause with the object of making converts

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Other Word Forms

• evangelization
  noun
• evangelizer
  noun
• unevangelized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of evangelize

1350–1400; Middle English evangelisen < Late Latin evangelizāre < Late Greek euangelízein. See evangel ¹, -ize

Compare meaning

How does evangelize compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• proselytize vs. evangelize

Explanation

To evangelize is to share religious beliefs, especially Christian ones, with other people. Preachers and ministers evangelize from the pulpit in their churches every Sunday. Certain Christians believe that it's important to evangelize to others — to preach the gospel and convey what they believe. In some cases, Christian missionaries travel to foreign countries to evangelize. The ultimate goal for those who evangelize tends to be converting non-Christians to Christianity. The word evangelize comes from the Church Latin evangelizare, "to spread or preach the Gospel," with the Greek root euangelizesthai, or "bring good news."

Example Sentences

After reciting a prayer and each making the sign of the cross, they began the session: “How To Evangelize on Social Media.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2021