baptize

One entry found for baptize.

Main Entry: bap·tize
Variant(s): also bap·tise /bap-'tIz, 'bap-", especially Southern bab- or 'bab-/
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): bap·tized also bap·tised; bap·tiz·ing also bap·tis·ing
Etymology: 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
transitive verb
1 : to administer baptism to
2 a : to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal b : INITIATE
3 : to give a name to (as at baptism ) : CHRISTEN
intransitive verb : to administer baptism
- bap·tiz·er noun