Proselytize

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈprÉ’s.É™l.ɪ.taɪz/, /ˈprÉ’s.É™l.É™.taɪz/
• US IPA: /ˈprÉ‘.sÉ™.lɪ.taɪz/, /ˈprÉ‘.sÉ™.lÉ™.taɪz/

Alternative forms

• UK proselytise

Origin

proselyte + -ize

Full definition of proselytize

Verb

1. (intransitive) To encourage or induce people to join a religious movement, political party, or other cause or organization.
• 1909, Ralph Connor, The Foreigner, ch. 14:"I am not sent here to proselytize. My church is not in that business."
• 2001, Douglas Waller, "A Terror Threat From The South," Time, 10 Dec.:Counterterrorism officials believe bin Laden has set up cells to proselytize the large Middle East expatriate population living in the area.
2. It is illegal to proselytize in some countries
3. (transitive) To convert (someone) to one’s own faith or beliefs.
• BurkeOne of those whom they endeavour to proselytize.

Related terms

• proselyte
• proselytism