evangelize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to preach the gospel to.
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to convert to Christianity.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)
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(intr) to advocate a cause with the object of making converts
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of evangelize
1350–1400; Middle English evangelisen < Late Latin evangelizāre < Late Greek euangelízein. See evangel 1, -ize
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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."
Vocabulary lists containing evangelize
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
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Paradise Lost
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Tess of the d'Urbervilles
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One surefire way to endear yourself to your favorite eatery is to evangelize for it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026
Maybe I wouldn’t be so tempted to evangelize if it weren’t for Cruise and director Chris McQuarrie’s ability to so presciently understand what the “Mission: Impossible” franchise can be.
From Salon • May 24, 2025
They evangelize about important deadlines for financial aid and guide students through their college decisions.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024
He could make introductions, and he could evangelize the hell out of Guarding Against Pandemics.
From Washington Post • Apr. 26, 2023
Then Francis announced that the time had come for them to evangelize the world, and dispersed them in pairs to the four points of the compass.
From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume I by Lea, Henry Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
