evangelize

American  

[ih-van-juh-lahyz] / ɪˈvæn dʒəˌlaɪz /

especially British, evangelise

verb (used with object)

evangelized, evangelizing

1. to preach the gospel to.

2. to convert to Christianity.

---

verb (used without object)

evangelized, evangelizing

1. to preach the gospel; act as an evangelist.

evangelize British  

/ ɪˈvændʒɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)

2. (intr) to advocate a cause with the object of making converts

---

Other Word Forms

• evangelization noun
• evangelizer noun
• unevangelized adjective

Etymology

Origin of evangelize

1350–1400; Middle English evangelisen < Late Latin evangelizāre < Late Greek euangelízein. See evangel ¹, -ize

Compare meaning

How does evangelize compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• proselytize vs. evangelize

Explanation

To evangelize is to share religious beliefs, especially Christian ones, with other people. Preachers and ministers evangelize from the pulpit in their churches every Sunday. Certain Christians believe that it's important to evangelize to others — to preach the gospel and convey what they believe. In some cases, Christian missionaries travel to foreign countries to evangelize. The ultimate goal for those who evangelize tends to be converting non-Christians to Christianity. The word evangelize comes from the Church Latin evangelizare, "to spread or preach the Gospel," with the Greek root euangelizesthai, or "bring good news."

Example Sentences

The founding members, David Rubin, Telsey and Lora Kennedy, spent years trying to evangelize their work to other branches of the Academy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

All of this might have remained in the realm of intellectual exploit had Tanton not begun to formalize and evangelize his beliefs.

From Salon • Nov. 14, 2024

In that way, the choice to debut “Galilee, 34” at an Orange County theater “is mirroring what the play is about,” said actor Berryman of the characters’ debate about where to evangelize.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

They evangelize about important deadlines for financial aid and guide students through their college decisions.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024

By his wonderful adroitness he overcame all opposition, and received permission to evangelize the Jews, but was forbidden to hold religious converse with Moslems.

From Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by B.D.