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

Example Sentences

One surefire way to endear yourself to your favorite eatery is to evangelize for it.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The approach that we adopted and evangelized over the last two years has proven to be really effective at decreasing harm and violence,” Braniff told the task force.

From Salon

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

Minnie was devoted to the Salvation Army because of the church’s dedication to evangelizing and doing good works.

From Los Angeles Times

She compares her numerous postscreening Q&As to an evangelizing mission.

From Los Angeles Times