proselytize

American  

[pros-uh-li-tahyz] / ˈprɒs ə lɪˌtaɪz /

especially British, proselytise

verb (used with or without object)

proselytized, proselytizing

1. to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit to a religion or other belief system.

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proselytize British  

/ ˈprɒsɪlɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to convert (someone) from one religious faith to another

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Other Word Forms

• proselytistic adjective
• proselytization noun
• proselytizer noun

Etymology

Origin of proselytize

First recorded in 1670–80; proselyte + -ize

Compare meaning

How does proselytize compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• proselytize vs. evangelize

Example Sentences

But his proselytizing also took other forms—some of them religious, some distinctly personal.

From The Wall Street Journal

She’s been holding Zoom meetings for neighbors, proselytizing just this month when she hosted a community potluck where 70 people watched her lay the first few Perfect Blocks of her fireproof home.

From Los Angeles Times

While I don’t mean to proselytize to those who would rather stay home than go to the movie theater — alright, I do just a little bit — there is nothing like the theatrical experience.

From Salon

Aster is careful not to pass judgment or overtly proselytize, favoring a mode of storytelling that gets as close to the truth as possible while leading with objectivity.

From Salon

His health proselytizing was both public and private.

From Los Angeles Times