proselytize

[ pros-uh-li-tahyz ]

verb (used with or without object)

, pros·e·lyt·ized, pros·e·lyt·iz·ing.

1. to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit to a religion or other belief system.

proselytize

/ ˈprɒsɪlɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to convert (someone) from one religious faith to another

Derived Forms

• ˌproselytiˈzation, noun
• ˈproselytˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• pros·e·lyt·is·tic [pros-, uh, -li-, tis, -tik, -lahy-], adjective
• pros·e·lyt·i·za·tion [pros-, uh, -l, uh, -tahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• pros·e·lyt·iz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proselytize¹

First recorded in 1670–80; proselyte + -ize

Example Sentences

His voice didn’t proselytize, either, and so I’m grateful that Richard was in the back of my mind, when the body positivity movement swept and seemed a new kind of dogma.

From Salon

Saleh allowed its missionaries to proselytize the Shiite Zaydis, provoking the anger of the latter.

From Salon

While the novelty of plant-based meat has worn off, what has stuck are persistent cries of “fake” or “faux” meat by critics — a diverse group that includes nutritionists, the entrenched meat industry and whole food absolutists who proselytize eating foods closer to nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Most Palestinians saw him as an eccentric outcast, while many Israelis treated him as an unwelcome convert to a religion that doesn’t proselytize.

From Seattle Times

“They are going to be engaging students, sometimes when they’re at their most vulnerable, and there’s not going to be any checks on whether they’re able to proselytize, what they’re able to say to kids grappling with really difficult issues,” said Maureen O’Leary, organizing director at Interfaith Alliance.

From Seattle Times