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

As someone who has zero interest in most books beloved by proselytizing, glassy-eyed dudes of the 1970s and 1980s, I always figured I could never be a Dune person.

From Time

This means they are proliferating on lesser-known platforms that give them less reach, but more opportunities to proselytize with abandon.

From Ozy

The Smocks, sometimes accompanied by their five daughters and other open-air preachers, roam the country, attempting to proselytize students to abandon their lives of sin.

From The Daily Beast

I haven’t been this disappointed since I found out Aslan the lion was really Jesus and Narnia was proselytizing.

From Ozy