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.
Tory evangelizing about Brexit and nationalist identity politics generated some blue-collar support in national elections in 2019, but what now? Nick Timothy, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021 This dialogue would have been a prime occasion for Xi to evangelize the China model. Thomas J. Christensen, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2021 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 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 Dec. 2024.

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