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proselytize

[ pros-uh-li-tahyz ]
/ ˈprɒs ə lɪˌtaɪz /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR proselytize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object), pros·e·lyt·ized, pros·e·lyt·iz·ing.

to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.

RELATED WORDS

advocate, uphold, approve, defend, adopt, accept, persuade, embrace, convince, sway

Nearby words

  1. proselyte,
  2. proselytical,
  3. proselytise,
  4. proselytism,
  5. proselytization,
  6. proselytizer,
  7. proseminar,
  8. prosencephalic,
  9. prosencephalon,
  10. prosenchyma
Also especially British, pros·e·lyt·ise.

Origin of proselytize

First recorded in 1670–80; proselyte + -ize
Related formspros·e·lyt·is·tic [pros-uh-li-tis-tik, -lahy-] /ˌprɒs ə lɪˈtɪs tɪk, -laɪ-/, adjectivepros·e·lyt·i·za·tion, nounpros·e·lyt·iz·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for proselytize

proselytize

proselytise

/ (ˈprɒsɪlɪˌtaɪz) /

verb

to convert (someone) from one religious faith to another
Derived Formsproselytization or proselytisation, nounproselytizer or proselytiser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for proselytize

proselytize

v.

1670s, "to make proselytes," from proselyte + -ize. Related: Proselytized; proselytizing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper