What does "baptize" mean?
To perform the sacrament of baptism by sprinkling or pouring water over someone or immersing them in water.
Baptize
/ˈbæptaɪz/ verb, slang
verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To perform the sacrament of baptism by sprinkling or pouring water over someone or immersing them in water.
- Grammar: baptize is listed as verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: christen, adulterate, asperge, asperse.
- Useful contrasts: deconsecrate, protect, shelter.
- Usage evidence: Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?
How to use "baptize"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "baptize" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "baptize" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "baptize" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "baptize" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "baptize" is acting as verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "christen" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "baptize", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To perform the sacrament of baptism by sprinkling or pouring water over someone or immersing them in water. British, English, Oxford, US
"I vvas baptized in thy Cordiall vvater, againſt Original ſinne, and I haue drunke of thy Cordiall Blood, for my recouerie, from actuall, and habituall ſinne, in the other Sacrament."
- 2 administer baptism to wordnet
- 3 To Christianize. British, English, Oxford, US, figuratively
"Ample evidence for this transfer of divine imagery can be found in early Christian times, when the Mother of God took over the titles, shrines, iconography and power of the great mother goddess of the Mediterranean world. This "baptizing" of pagan imagery was a successful missionary strategy that allowed Christianity to attract peoples accustomed to female deities while still maintaining faith in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit"
- 4 To dedicate or christen. British, English, Oxford, US
- 5 Of rum, brandy, or any other spirits, to dilute with water. British, English, Oxford, US, archaic, slang
"There's a good tavern nearby where they don't baptize liquor!"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To ensure proper burning of a joint by moistening the exterior with saliva. British, English, Oxford, US, slang
- 7 To extinguish the life of. British, English, Oxford, US, slang
"Nigga actin tough on the net, Imma baptize him, .223 shells and he’s shot like I am Mad Ryan Put him in a coffin, hold him one year, he is no longer Fucking on an opp nigger, bitch he sayin “go longer!”"
Antonyms
Example
"Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "baptize"?
Common synonyms include: christen, adulterate, asperge, asperse, attenuate, baptise.
How do you use "baptize" in a sentence?
Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?
How do you pronounce "baptize"?
Pronounced /ˈbæptaɪz/.
Etymology
From Middle English baptisen, baptizen, from Old French baptiser, batisier, from Ecclesiastical Latin, Late Latin baptizāre, from Ancient Greek βαπτίζω (baptízō, “to immerse, plunge, baptize”).