laicize

American  

[ley-uh-sahyz] / ˈleɪ əˌsaɪz /

especially British, laicise

verb (used with object)

laicized, laicizing

1. to remove the clerical character or nature of; secularize.

   to laicize a school; to laicize the office of headmaster.

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laicize British  

/ ˈleɪɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to withdraw clerical or ecclesiastical character or status from (an institution, building, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• laicization noun

Etymology

Origin of laicize

First recorded in 1790–1800; laic + -ize

Example Sentences

He’s the highest ranking member of the church known to have been laicized.

From Washington Post

The Vatican laicized Evans, essentially removing him from the priesthood, while he was in prison.

From Seattle Times

In the letter to the U.S. bishops, Archbishop Pierre said “Mr. Pavone” had been “laicized,” meaning he could no longer represent himself as a priest of the Roman Catholic Church.

From Washington Times

Hubbard said he wanted to be laicized, or returned to the lay state, because he could no longer function as a priest, given U.S. church policy that bars accused priests from ministry.

From Seattle Times

“There are many priests in Buffalo that need to be laicized,” Bojanowski continued.

From Washington Post