evangelize

verb

evan·​ge·​lize i-ˈvan-jə-ˌlīz How to pronounce evangelize (audio)
evangelized; evangelizing

transitive verb

1
: to preach the gospel to
2
: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel
evangelization noun
evangelizer noun

Examples of evangelize in a Sentence

The missionaries set out to evangelize the world. They were evangelizing about the importance of saving energy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All of this might have remained in the realm of intellectual exploit had Tanton not begun to formalize and evangelize his beliefs. Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 Rubin evangelized his method throughout the 1970s and ’80s. Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024 He’s evangelized the kind of positive aspects of Apple Watch. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 30 July 2024 Furthermore, YouTube is overflowing with videos and ASMR channels—many slime-related, many not—that have evangelized these merits to the general public. Nicole Gull McElroy, WIRED, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for evangelize 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evangelize was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near evangelize

Cite this Entry

“Evangelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evangelize. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on evangelize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!