baptize

verb bap·tize \ bap-ˈtīz , ˈbap-ˌ , especially Southern bab- or ˈbab- \

variants: or less commonly baptise

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Examples: baptize in a Sentence

Definition of baptize

baptized also baptised; baptizing also baptising

transitive verb

1 religion : to administer baptism (see baptism 1) to

baptize a child in the Episcopal Church

was baptized a Catholic as an infant

2 a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging (see ¹purge 1) experience or ordeal

… baptized with pain and rapture, tears and fire …
—Sidney Lanier

b : initiate

Both developments were baptized under last season's conditions of scanty snow …
—New York Times

3 : to give a name to (as at baptism) : christen

Theybaptized their son "John" after the baby's grandfather.

intransitive verb

: to administer baptism

—

baptizer

noun

See baptize defined for English-language learners

See baptize defined for kids

Examples of baptize in a Sentence

The priest baptized the baby.
She was baptized at the age of 20.

Recent Examples of baptize from the Web

Troyer was baptized surrounded by his family during his recent struggles, the statement said.

— CBS News, "Verne Troyer, actor best known as "Mini Me" in "Austin Powers, dead at 49," 21 Apr. 2018
In Ginosar, take a fishing boat across the lake to Ein Gev for a seafood lunch and a ride out to the Yardenit, where you can get baptized in the Jordan River.

— ashlea halpern, The Cut, "12 Epic, All-Inclusive Honeymoon Itineraries," 11 Apr. 2018
Today, at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace, he will be baptized.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "Who Are Prince Louis’s Godparents?," 9 July 2018
Up until 2008, royal children were baptized in a traditional Honiton lace gown that dated back to 1841.

— ruby buddemeyer, Marie Claire, "Here's How Prince Louis' Christening Compares to George and Charlotte's," 9 July 2018
You are officially baptized the best bachatero out of Korea by the princess of bachata - BOOM!

— suzette fernandez, Billboard, "Leslie Grace Teaches Super Junior How to Dance Bachata: Watch," 25 June 2018
Also expected: Prince Harry and his bride, Duchess Meghan of Sussex, the former American actress who was baptized herself in the Chapel Royal shortly before their May 19 wedding.

— maria puente, USA TODAY, "Prince Louis' godparents named, including Prince William and Prince Harry's close friend, Nicholas van Cutsem," 9 July 2018
The first to wear the new gown was James, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise's younger brother, who was baptized in 2008.

— elizabeth angell, Town & Country, "Prince Louis's Christening Dress Has a Fascinating History," 9 July 2018
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that : 0%: 0% The intimate crowd will surely include one new member: Louis’s aunt Meghan Markle, who was baptized by Archbishop Welby in March.

— hilary weaver, Vanities, "When to Expect Prince Louis’s Next Public Appearance," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baptize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of baptize

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

baptize Synonyms

Synonyms

call, christen, denominate, designate, dub, entitle, label, name, nominate, style, term, title;

Related Words

brand, stigmatize, tag;

denote, specify;

miscall, misname, mistitle;

nickname;

surname;

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

BAPTIZE Defined for English Language Learners

baptize

verb

Definition of baptize for English Language Learners

: to perform the ceremony of baptism for (someone)
: to officially make someone a member of a specified Christian church through the ceremony of baptism
: to give (someone) a name through the ceremony of baptism