baptize

[ bap-tahyz, bap-tahyz ]

/ bæpˈtaɪz, ˈbæp taɪz /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR baptize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), bap·tized, bap·tiz·ing.

to immerse in water or sprinkle or pour water on in the Christian rite of baptism: They baptized the new baby.

to cleanse spiritually; initiate or dedicate by purifying.

to give a name to at baptism; christen.

verb (used without object), bap·tized, bap·tiz·ing.

to administer baptism.

Nearby words

baptist, baptista, baptistery, baptistry, baptists, baptize, bar, bar billiards, bar car, bar cart, bar chart

Also especially British, bap·tise.

Origin of baptize

1250–1300; Middle English < Late Latin baptizāre < Greek baptízein to immerse (bápt(ein) to bathe + -izein -ize)

Related forms

bap·tiz·a·ble, adjectivebap·tize·ment, nounbap·tiz·er, nounre·bap·tize, verb, re·bap·tized, re·bap·tiz·ing.

self-bap·tiz·er, nounun·bap·tized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for baptize

Baptize means to immerse in, or wash with something, usually water.
The World English Bible (WEB), The Old Testament, Complete|Various
"Maybe they were bringing the little children to him for him to baptize them," said the father.
Dorothy Page|Eldridge B. Hatcher
No, he would die a heathen rather than ask for an archbishop to baptize him.
Strange Stories from History for Young People|George Cary Eggleston
This immaculate idea, represented first by man and last by woman, will baptize with fire, etc.
The Religio-Medical Masquerade|Frederick William Peabody

Did he not baptize those few with water for the same pacific purpose, or did he not at first receive full light upon this subject?
Water Baptism|James H. Moon

British Dictionary definitions for baptize

baptize

baptise

/ (bæpˈtaɪz) /

verb

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

(tr) to give a name to; christen

(tr) to cleanse; purify

Word Origin for baptize

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

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