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

Why should freedom favor proselytizing faiths over those that don’t seek converts?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

“I don’t go out proselytizing, but I am not going to deny my faith; I’m not going to deny Jesus Christ,” Grammer says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

Within five years, the chant “Hare Krishna” was everywhere: among throngs of devotees proselytizing in airports; in “Hair”; in a No. 1 hit song by George Harrison.

From New York Times • May 22, 2024

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

Doubly convinced by Mendel’s experimental data, and by his own evidence, Bateson set about proselytizing.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee