baptize

play

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

variants: or less commonly

baptise

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
2a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging (see ¹purge 1) experience or ordeal … baptized with pain and rapture, tears and fire … — Sidney Lanierb : 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

That was interrupted in 2015 when the church adopted new rules banning children living with gay parents from being baptized until age 18.

— CBS News, "Mormon church leaders cut microphone after young girl announces she's gay", 25 June 2017
Some of Mendelssohn’s religious works leave a funny taste, considering that he was raised in a Jewish household but was baptized Lutheran (on Bach’s birthday, no less).

— david patrick stearns, Philly.com, "Yannick has his way with Mendelssohn's symphonies in new three-disc set", 22 June 2017
Ruth Graham stuck with her denomination – her parents were Presbyterian medical missionaries in China – and refused to be baptized by immersion, the way Baptists do.

— tim funk, charlotteobserver, "Nearly festive 2007 service honored Ruth Graham’s devotion to family, Christ", 16 June 2017
The 18-year-old, who was baptized and confirmed as a Methodist, doesn’t believe in an afterlife, but still believes in a God.

— clare ansberry, WSJ, "The Teenage Spiritual Crisis", 13 June 2017
Lisa Dvorak and her husband were married at St. Leo's and each of their four children was baptized there.

— talia richman, baltimoresun.com, "Thousands gather for annual Feast of St. Anthony in Little Italy", 11 June 2017
Iakovos ordained him, married him, baptized his children and eventually married them as well.

— meredith colias, Post-Tribune, "Head of Chicago Greek Archdiocese remembered for common touch", 7 June 2017
The last time someone was convicted of blasphemy in Denmark was 71 years ago when a man dressed up as a priest and mock-baptized a doll at a masquerade.

— jan m. olsen, The Seattle Times, "Danes again ponder repeal of blasphemy law", 1 June 2017
Brannon then baptized Noriega in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

— derek hawkins, Washington Post, "For two evangelical Christians, Manuel Noriega became the ultimate jailhouse convert", 30 May 2017

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!

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

Other Christian Religious Terms

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

BAPTIZE Defined for English Language Learners

baptize

play

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

BAPTIZE Defined for Kids

baptize

play

verb bap·tize \bap-ˈtīz, ˈbap-ˌtīz\

Definition of baptize for Students

baptized

;

baptizing

1 : to dip in water or sprinkle water on as a part of the ceremony of receiving into the Christian church
2 : to give a name to as in the ceremony of baptism : christen