baptize

[ bap-tahyz, bap-tahyz ]

See synonyms for: baptize baptized 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.

Origin of baptize

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

Also especially British, bap·tise .

Other words from baptize

bap·tiz·a·ble, adjective
bap·tize·ment, noun
bap·tiz·er, noun
re·bap·tize, verb, re·bap·tized, re·bap·tiz·ing.
self-bap·tiz·er, noun
un·bap·tized, adjective

Words Nearby baptize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use baptize in a sentence

Since being baptized into the pantheon of America’s most famous serial killers, rumors about the gun-toting housewife’s whereabouts keep conspiracy theorists wondering even today.
VANISHED: 6 Unsolved and Baffling Disappearances | Sohini Das Gupta | July 21, 2021 | Ozy
Neighbors told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that Hogan had been seen offering to baptize people in the canal the evening before her daughters were discovered dead.
Mom Offered Baptisms Before Her Kids Were Found Dead in a Canal. She’s Now Charged With Murder. | Zoe Richards | July 14, 2021 | The Daily Beast
It baptizes a quest for power and privilege in the public sphere predicated on ensuring only certain Americans feel welcome to fully participate in civic life.
The Growing Anti-Democratic Threat of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. | Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry | May 27, 2021 | Time
Now, we have new revelations about how they were so worried about Jimmy McCain’s health as a newborn, they had him baptized in the hospital on fears he might not make it out of the maternity ward.
Cindy McCain Opens Up — On Her Terms | Philip Elliott | April 27, 2021 | Time
I knew I was ready to tackle whatever life hurled at me next, baptized in sunshine and smiles.
Otherworldly Adventure at Crater Lake National Park | Emily Pennington | March 24, 2021 | Outside Online

She wrote to the pope to express her fear that no priest would baptize her illegitimate baby.
He’ll Call You, Maybe: Pope Francis Is Surprising Flock Via Phone | Barbie Latza Nadeau | September 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
This was why we resolved, at the time of our arrival, not to baptize any adults unless they were previously well catechized.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614 | Various
Father Biard went to the afflicted parent of the boy, and asked whether he might, with his consent, baptize the dying child.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614 | Various
"I baptize thee," broke the silence, time after time, amid the tiny splashes of falling water.
Tess of the Storm Country | Grace Miller White
A well-known politician, who died only recently, was born in the village, and the old rector was called on to baptize him.
Curious Church Customs | Various
But it was not thought safe to baptize him in Galicia, so he was sent to Bellson, in Berlin, who baptized him in 1846.
Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ | Rev. A. Bernstein, B.D.

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

Origin of 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

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