proselytizing

American  

[pros-uh-luh-tahy-zing] / ˈprɒs ə ləˌtaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of converting or attempting to convert someone to a religion or other belief system.

   The regulations governing the religious practice of foreigners include a ban on proselytizing.

---

adjective

1. intending or attempting to convert others to a religion or other belief system.

   We are not a proselytizing religion, and we don’t believe that our faith is the One True Way for everyone.

   The book uses an enthusiastic, almost proselytizing tone to promote the idea that anyone can be an inventor.

Etymology

Origin of proselytizing

First recorded in 1780–90; proselytiz(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; proselytiz(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

Instead, Jim donated it to the Boys and Girls Club—a nod to the foster-care system that had raised him while his father toured the country proselytizing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Many noted that they had built up audiences with little to no marketing, and saw no need to echo the aggressive proselytizing of their counterparts.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2024

“There’s no proselytizing because our church doesn’t proselytize or try to convert anyone — they just talk.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023

The 50-year-old was known around town for his gentle proselytizing about the need for compassion.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Despite the proselytizing of the Mbekela brothers, my father remained aloof from Christianity and instead reserved his own faith for the great spirit of the Xhosas, Qamata, the God of his fathers.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela