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.

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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

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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 • Jan. 3, 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

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024

In the early 1800s, Christian missionaries arrived in Hawaii, encouraged by Native refugees who had fled after the brutal wars of King Kamehameha’s conquest and urged Westerners to evangelize the islands.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2023

At the end of 717 he went to Rome, where in 719 Pope Gregory II. commissioned him to evangelize Germany and to counteract the influence of the Irish monks there.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 2 "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" by Various