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proselytize

[pros-uh-li-tahyz]
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verb (used with or without object), pros·e·lyt·ized, pros·e·lyt·iz·ing.
  1. to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
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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. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for proselytize

proselytize

proselytise

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

v.

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper