Main Entry:

bap·tize

Variant(s):

also bap·tise \bap-ˈtīz, ˈbap-ˌ, especially Southern bab- or ˈbab-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

bap·tized also bap·tised; bap·tiz·ing also bap·tis·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French baptiser, from Late Latin baptizare, from Greek baptizein to dip, baptize, from baptein to dip, dye; akin to Old Norse kvefja to quench

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: to administer baptism to2 a: to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal b: initiate3: to give a name to (as at baptism) : christenintransitive verb: to administer baptism

— bap·tiz·er noun