baptism

[bap-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.,  a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.

2. any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.

   Synonyms: introduction, admittance, induction

3. a trying or purifying experience or initiation.

4. Christian Science.,  purification of thought and character.

baptism

/ ˈbæpˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church

2. the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism

3. any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication

baptism

1. The ceremony of initiation into Christianity; in most Christian churches, it is considered a sacrament. Persons baptized either have water poured on them or are immersed in water; some groups of Christians (see also Christian) insist on immersion. The effect of baptism, in Christian belief, is to cleanse persons of their sins, so that they are born into a new life with Jesus. Most churches baptize members when they are infants, but some groups, like the Baptists, insist on adult baptism. Jesus himself was baptized. (See John the Baptist.)

Other Word Forms

• baptismally adverb
• baptismal adjective
• postbaptismal adjective
• pseudobaptismal adjective
• rebaptism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of baptism¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Late Latin baptisma, from Greek bapt(ízein) “to immerse” ( baptize ) + -isma -ism; replacing Middle English bapteme, from Old French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Three years ago, Clay Helton stood knee deep in that creek for his baptism, eager to start anew.

From Los Angeles Times

The team have also been working on records in relation to cemeteries, baptisms, hospitals and mortuaries.

From BBC

He attended Catholic school and remembers an active community in Mobile filled with baptisms, weddings and first communions.

From Los Angeles Times

Schmidt backed Lynagh to thrive in the high-stakes atmosphere of Saturday's showdown, while admitting it will be a baptism of fire for the rookie.

From BBC

Most weekends their customers consist of churchgoers after service or a baptism.

From Los Angeles Times