catechize

1 of 2

verb

cat·​e·​chize ˈka-tə-ˌkīz 

catechized; catechizing

transitive verb

1

: to instruct systematically especially by questions, answers, and explanations and corrections

specifically : to give religious instruction in such a manner

2

: to question systematically or searchingly

catechization

ˌka-ti-kə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

catechizer

ˈka-tə-ˌkī-zər 

noun

catechization

2 of 2

noun

cat·​e·​chi·​za·​tion

variants also British catechisation

ˌka-ti-kə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌkī-ˈzā-

plural -s

: the act of catechizing or being catechized

the teacher's catechization of the students

the lawyer was present at the prisoner's catechization

Synonyms of catechize

Verb

• ask
• interrogate
• question

Examples of catechize in a Sentence

Verb

her roommates catechized her about every detail of her first day at her new job

applicants are rigorously catechized by the seminary's rector regarding their motives for joining the priesthood

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Priests could not catechize children, bring the sacraments to the sick, or do pastoral work outside the local churchyard. —George Weigel, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Late Latin catechizare, from Greek katēchein to teach, literally, to din into, from kata- cata- + ēchein to resound, from ēchē sound — more at echo

Noun

catechize, catechise + -ation

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catechize

• chandeliers
• biz
• fizz
• his
• is
• quiz
• riz
• tis
• whiz
• whizz
• wiz
• nowise

Kids Definition

catechize

verb

cat·​e·​chize ˈkat-ə-ˌkīz 

catechized; catechizing

: to instruct (as on religion) by means of questions, answers, and explanations and corrections