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 verb 1 : to administer baptism to
2 a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal b : initiate
3 : to give a name to (as at baptism) : christenintransitive verb : to administer baptism

— bap·tiz·er noun