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 The effort to evangelize comes as Catholic churches around the country struggle with declining and aging membership. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024 The church has loosened its strict rules for those evangelizing. Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 10 May 2024 Khan appeared on the show to explain and evangelize the FTC's efforts to battle corporate monopolies both in and outside the tech industry in the US and to explain the challenges the organization faces. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 2 Apr. 2024 These authors’ engulfing anger produces prose that is by turns elegiac, evangelizing, and blusterous, delivered with the self-assurance of a college sophomore conversant with all of human history. Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for evangelize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evangelize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on evangelize

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