evangelize

[ ih-van-juh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, e·van·ge·lized, e·van·ge·liz·ing.

1. to preach the gospel to.
2. to convert to Christianity.

verb (used without object)

, e·van·ge·lized, e·van·ge·liz·ing.

1. to preach the gospel; act as an evangelist.

evangelize

/ ɪˈvændʒɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)
2. intr to advocate a cause with the object of making converts

Derived Forms

• eˌvangeliˈzation, noun
• eˈvangeˌlizer, noun

Other Words From

• e·vange·li·zation noun
• e·vange·lizer noun
• une·vange·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evangelize¹

1350–1400; Middle English evangelisen < Late Latin evangelizāre < Late Greek euangelízein. See evangel ¹, -ize

Example Sentences

All of this might have remained in the realm of intellectual exploit had Tanton not begun to formalize and evangelize his beliefs.

From Salon

In that way, the choice to debut “Galilee, 34” at an Orange County theater “is mirroring what the play is about,” said actor Berryman of the characters’ debate about where to evangelize.

From Los Angeles Times

For a man evangelizing for change in San Francisco, owning a condo that used to be part of a church comes in handy.

From New York Times

Wilcox remembered when the Frank family first influenced his family: Billy Frank had evangelized to Wilcox’s father about farming with salmon in mind.

From Seattle Times

It said his job was providing clothes, medicines and daily necessities to underprivileged people there, including poor foreign workers, while working to evangelize them.

From Seattle Times