baptism

[ bap-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.
2. any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.

   Synonyms: introduction, admittance, induction

3. a trying or purifying experience or initiation.
4. Christian Science. purification of thought and character.

baptism

/ ˈbæpˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church
2. the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism
3. any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication

baptism

1. The ceremony of initiation into Christianity ; in most Christian churches , it is considered a sacrament. Persons baptized either have water poured on them or are immersed in water; some groups of Christians (see also Christian ) insist on immersion. The effect of baptism, in Christian belief, is to cleanse persons of their sins, so that they are born into a new life with Jesus . Most churches baptize members when they are infants, but some groups, like the Baptists , insist on adult baptism. Jesus himself was baptized. ( See John the Baptist .)

Derived Forms

• bapˈtismally, adverb
• bapˈtismal, adjective

Other Words From

• bap·tis·mal [bap-, tiz, -m, uh, l], adjective
• bap·tismal·ly adverb
• postbap·tismal adjective
• pseudo·bap·tismal adjective
• re·baptism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of baptism¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Late Latin baptisma, from Greek bapt(ízein) “to immerse” ( baptize ) + -isma -ism; replacing Middle English bapteme, from Old French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Currently the Catholic Church only allows men to become deacons - ordained ministers who can officiate baptisms, weddings and funerals but not mass, unlike priests.

From BBC

"We kicked ourselves out, dusted ourselves off and went back to the top and off we went again. It was an absolute baptism of fire."

From BBC

The 15th Century kirk, which stands next to Linlithgow Palace, was a place of royal worship and the site of Mary Queen of Scots' baptism.

From BBC

Fellow Globe rider Mesa has a five-month-old baby, and the families are considering a joint baptism.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, he treasures the clippings of family weddings and baptisms from Miniondas — including one of his own baptism — that relatives have kept in photo albums.

From Los Angeles Times