Baptize - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To baptize means to immerse in or sprinkle with water as a religious rite, symbolizing purification or initiation into a faith, commonly practiced in Christianity. It represents spiritual rebirth.
Definition:
To perform a religious ceremony involving water, symbolizing purification or admission to the Christian Church.
Synonyms:
christen, purify, initiate, sanctify
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
excommunicate, defile
Common Collocations:
baptize a baby, baptize in water, baptize into the faith
Derivatives:
baptism, baptized, baptizing
Usage Tips:
Use "baptize" for religious rites involving water; avoid in secular contexts unless metaphorically.
Common Phrases:
baptism of fire, baptized by fire, born again
Etymology:
From Greek "baptizein," meaning "to dip or immerse," via Latin and Old French.
Examples:
- 1. The priest will baptize the newborn next Sunday.
- 2. She chose to baptize her son in the family’s traditional church.
- 3. They traveled to the river to baptize new converts.
- 4. The ceremony will baptize adults and children alike.