evangelize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to preach the gospel to.
-
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)
-
(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
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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.
Millennial and GenZ influencers, some paid by telehealth companies, evangelize antidepressants on TikTok and Instagram using such hashtags as #livelaughlexapro, #lexaprogirly, #lexaho and #zoloftgang, recasting the medications as pop-culture touchstones.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025
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
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
To this country, according to the instructions of Pope Gregory IV., there were pastoral visits made to strengthen the newly-converted Northmen in the faith, and to evangelize the Esquimaux and the Indian tribes.
From Celebrated Travels and Travellers Part I. The Exploration of the World by Leigh, Dora
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.
