proselytizing

[ pros-uh-luh-tahy-zing ]

noun

1. the act or process of converting or attempting to convert someone to a religion or other belief system:

   The regulations governing the religious practice of foreigners include a ban on proselytizing.

adjective

1. intending or attempting to convert others to a religion or other belief system:

   We are not a proselytizing religion, and we don’t believe that our faith is the One True Way for everyone.

   The book uses an enthusiastic, almost proselytizing tone to promote the idea that anyone can be an inventor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proselytizing¹

First recorded in 1780–90; proselytiz(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun; proselytiz(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

I was born into a family that didn’t discuss politics at all, only religion, and only in the context of our own denominations of Christianity and proselytizing.

From Salon

My attraction to being on the road — would “proselytizing” be the right word for it? — comes from explaining a point of view that I come from and inviting people into it.

From Los Angeles Times

They were proselytizing to us through their lifestyle.

From Salon

“I don’t go around proselytizing, but I’m not going to deny it either: I’m a Jesus guy,” Grammer says.

From Los Angeles Times

Within five years, the chant “Hare Krishna” was everywhere: among throngs of devotees proselytizing in airports; in “Hair”; in a No. 1 hit song by George Harrison.

From New York Times