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

To get to know the community, the photographers attended baptisms, funerals and weddings.

From Washington Post

Prince George has arrived for his christening wearing a replica of the traditional royal baptism gown designed in 1841.

From The Daily Beast

They accepted baptism as a sort of sacred pledge of friendship and alliance with the French.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a private baptism in his library one Sunday afternoon, and she was christened Amy Eudora.

From Project Gutenberg

Private baptism at his birth was first administered, fearing his immediate death.

From Project Gutenberg

The priest may be obliged to administer baptism, to hear confession, to give the Viaticum and Extreme Unction.

From Project Gutenberg

So the Earl being thus beset chose to accept baptism, and was baptized there and then with all his men.

From Project Gutenberg