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.

---

proselytize British  

/ ˈprɒsɪlɪˌtaɪz /

verb

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

---

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

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

That fact is a primary reason why their numbers keep declining despite decades of aggressive proselytizing.

From Salon

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