baptism of fire
noun
spiritual sanctification as a gift of the Holy Ghost.
the first time a soldier faces battle.
any severe ordeal that tests one's endurance.
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Origin of baptism of fire
First recorded in 1815–25
Words nearby baptism of fire
bapt., baptism, baptismal name, baptismal regeneration, baptism for the dead, baptism of fire, Baptist, Baptista, baptistry, Baptists, baptize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for baptism of fire
baptism of fire
noun
a soldier's first experience of battle
any initiating ordeal or experience
Christianity the penetration of the Holy Ghost into the human spirit to purify, consecrate, and strengthen it, as was believed to have occurred initially at Pentecost
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Idioms and Phrases with baptism of fire
baptism of fire
A severe ordeal or test, especially an initial one, as in This audition would be Robert's baptism of fire. This term transfers the original religious rite of baptism, whereby holiness is imparted, to various kinds of ordeal. At first it signified the death of martyrs at the stake, and in 19th-century France it was used for a soldier's first experience of combat. Currently it is used more loosely for any difficult first encounter.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.