baptize

[bap-tahyz, bap-tahyz] /bæpˈtaɪz, ˈbæp taɪz/
verb (used with object), baptized, baptizing.
1.
to immerse in water or sprinkle or pour water on in the Christian rite of baptism:
They baptized the new baby.
2.
to cleanse spiritually; initiate or dedicate by purifying.
3.
to give a name to at baptism; christen.
verb (used without object), baptized, baptizing.
4.
to administer baptism.
Also, especially British, baptise.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English < Late Latin baptizāre < Greek baptízein to immerse (bápt(ein) to bathe + -izein -ize)
Related forms
baptizable, adjective
baptizement, noun
baptizer, noun
rebaptize, verb, rebaptized, rebaptizing.
self-baptizer, noun
unbaptized, adjective
Examples from the web for baptize
  • Anglicans baptize by submersion, immersion, affusion or sprinkling.
British Dictionary definitions for baptize

baptize

/bæpˈtaɪz/
verb
1.
(Christianity) to immerse (a person) in water or sprinkle water on (a person) as part of the rite of baptism
2.
(transitive) to give a name to; christen
3.
(transitive) to cleanse; purify
Word Origin
C13: from Late Latin baptīzāre, from Greek baptizein, from baptein to bathe, dip
Word Origin and History for baptize
v.

c.1300, from Old French batisier (11c.), from Latin baptizare, from Greek baptizein "to immerse, to dip in water," also used figuratively, e.g. "to be over one's head" (in debt, etc.), "to be soaked (in wine);" in Greek Christian usage, "baptize;" from baptein "to dip, steep, dye, color," from PIE root *gwabh- "to dip, sink." Christian baptism originally consisted in full immersion. Related: Baptized; baptizing.