catechize

[ kat-i-kahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, cat·e·chized, cat·e·chiz·ing.

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

catechize

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• ˌcateˈchistic, adjective
• ˈcatechist, noun
• ˌcateˈchistically, adverb
• ˌcatechiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• cate·chiza·ble adjective
• cate·chi·zation noun
• cate·chizer noun
• un·cate·chized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechize¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechize¹

C15: from Late Latin catēchizāre, from Greek katēkhizein, from katēkhein to instruct orally, literally: to shout down, from kata- down + ēkhein to sound

Example Sentences

If Ministers are bound to catechize; then people are bound to be catechized.

From Project Gutenberg

In a moment the car was again in motion, but the driver, a man of fifty or thereabouts, found time to catechize his guest.

From Project Gutenberg

Fletcher, however, still found means to catechize the children and to hold meetings in private.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not mean to allow him to catechize me unless he pays back for it in kind.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not a moment for me to catechize him, though I could see that he was utterly deluded.

From Project Gutenberg