catechize

American  

[kat-i-kahyz] / ˈkæt ɪˌkaɪz /

especially British, catechise

verb (used with object)

catechized, catechizing

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

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catechize British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• catechizable
  adjective
• catechist
  noun
• catechistic
  adjective
• uncatechized
  adjective
• catechizer
  noun
• catechization
  noun
• catechistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of catechize

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

Example Sentences

Then the Cardinal began to catechize the priest who had once been an assistant to his secretariat.

From Time Magazine Archive

He has forbidden them to go out as they ought to the visitas, and to confess, preach, and catechize.

From The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 41 of 55, 1691-1700 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century. by Blair, Emma Helen

Let a person catechize his own experiences on this subject: it will have a salutary effect.

From Revisiting the Earth by Hill, James Langdon

It appears that Mr. Jacques is to say who can see the Secretary; and to do this, he must catechize each applicant as to the nature of his business.

From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital by Jones, John Beauchamp

Her Form mates, more inquisitive than Miss Gibbs, gathered round her and began to catechize.

From The Madcap of the School by Salmon, Balliol