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

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

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 ( 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

And he set himself at once, not to catechize the bank's ward about her expenditures, but to interest the girl in himself.

From Clark's Field by Herrick, Robert

Neither of them ever made a public profession of religion, but they were careful to observe external ordinances, catechize their children, and give religious instruction.

From War Inconsistent with the Religion of Jesus Christ by Dodge, David Low

If from these lists you wander as you steer, Look back, and catechize your actions here.

From Poems of Henry Vaughan, Silurist, Volume II by Chambers, E. K. (Edmund Kerchever)

You catechize me too closely," replied Netz, confused, "tell me rather--to come to something else--what is the matter between you and Christopher Friend?

From Specimens of German Romance Vol. I. The Patricians by Velde, Carl Franz van der