Baptism Definition

băptĭzəm
baptisms
noun
A religious rite considered a sacrament by most Christian groups, marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.
American Heritage
A baptizing or being baptized; specif., the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into Christianity or a specific Christian church by immersing the individual in water or by pouring or sprinkling water on the individual, as a symbol of washing away sin and of spiritual purification.
Webster's New World
A ceremony in certain religious or nonreligious traditions in which one is initiated, purified, or given a name.
American Heritage
Any experience or ordeal that initiates, tests, or purifies.
Webster's New World
An initiatory experience, act, or effort.
American Heritage
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Baptism

Noun

Singular:
baptism
Plural:
baptisms

Origin of Baptism

  • From Old French batesme or bapteme, from Ecclesiastical Latin baptisma, from Ancient Greek βαπτισμός (baptismós, “dipping, baptism”), from βαπτίζω (baptízō, “I dip in liquid”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English baptisme from Old French from Late Latin baptismus from Greek baptismos from baptizein to baptize baptize

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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