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bap·tize

(băp-tīz, băptīz′)

v. bap·tized, bap·tiz·ing, bap·tiz·es

v.tr.

1. To admit into Christianity by means of baptism.

a. To cleanse or purify.

b. To initiate.

3. To give a Christian name to a person; christen.

v.intr.

To administer baptism.

[Middle English baptizen, from Old French baptiser, from Late Latin baptīzāre, from Greek baptizein, from baptein, to dip.]

bap·tizer n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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