proselytize

especially British, pros·e·lyt·ise

[pros-uh-li-tahyz]

verb (used with or without object)

proselytized, proselytizing 

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

Other Word Forms

• proselytization noun
• proselytizer noun
• proselytistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proselytize¹

First recorded in 1670–80; proselyte + -ize

Example Sentences

Aster is careful not to pass judgment or overtly proselytize, favoring a mode of storytelling that gets as close to the truth as possible while leading with objectivity.

From Salon

His health proselytizing was both public and private.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t go out proselytizing, but I am not going to deny my faith; I’m not going to deny Jesus Christ,” Grammer says.

From Los Angeles Times

When I opened my first show, if the collages seemed overtly political or proselytizing in some way, I would remove them.

From Los Angeles Times

These chaplains are not prohibited from proselytizing to students.

From Salon