Christianize

[ kris-chuh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Chris·tian·ized, Chris·tian·iz·ing.

1. to make Christian.
2. to imbue with Christian principles.

Christianize

/ ˈkrɪstʃəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make Christian or convert to Christianity
2. to imbue with Christian principles, spirit, or outlook

Derived Forms

• ˈChristianˌizer, noun
• ˌChristianiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• Christian·i·zation noun
• Christian·izer noun
• de-Christian·ize verb deChristianized deChristianizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of Christianize¹

First recorded in 1585–95; Christian + -ize

Example Sentences

“Haakon Jarl” charts the rocky reign of the titular ruler who favored the Norse gods and fought the advance of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II as well as further attempts to Christianize Norway.

From Washington Post

And the authors, who were men as far as we know, were Christianized people writing about their “pagan” ancestors.

From Scientific American

Muezzins, who call Muslims to prayer, have not sounded from the Christianized minarets of Andalusia, Spain’s largest region, for centuries.

From New York Times

They were isolated from their homes and culture with the aim of Christianizing and assimilating them into mainstream society, which previous Canadian governments considered superior.

From Seattle Times

The aim was to Christianize and assimilate them into mainstream society.

From Seattle Times