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.

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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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 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

In the 20th century, the Supreme Court applied that to a number of First Amendment cases involving religion, saying states couldn’t forbid public proselytizing, reimburse funding for religious education or sponsor prayer in public schools.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Despite the proselytizing of the Mbekela brothers, my father remained aloof from Christianity and instead reserved his own faith for the great spirit of the Xhosas, Qamata, the God of his fathers.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela