English
proselytize
Pronunciation
  • (British) IPA: /ˈpɹɒs.əl.ɪ.taɪz/, /ˈpɹɒs.əl.ə.taɪz/
  • (GA) IPA: /ˈpɹɑ.sə.lɪ.taɪz/, /ˈpɹɑ.sə.lə.taɪz/
    • (Canada) (in addition to the above:) IPA: /ˈpɹɑ.zə.lɪ.taɪz/, /ˈpɹɑ.zə.lə.taɪz/
Verb

proselytize (proselytizes, present participle proselytizing; past and past participle proselytized)

  1. (ambitransitive) To advertise one’s religious beliefs; to convert (someone) to one’s own faith or religious movement or encourage them to do so.
    Synonyms: evangelize, convert
    • One of those whom they endeavour to proselytize.
    • 1909, Ralph Connor, The Foreigner, ch. 14:
      “I am not sent here to proselytize. My church is not in that business.”
    • 2001, Douglas Waller, “[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1001421,00.html A Terror Threat From The South]”, Time, 10 Dec.:
      Counterterrorism officials believe bin Laden has set up cells to proselytize the large Middle East expatriate population living in the area.
    It is illegal to proselytize [children] in some countries
  2. (by extension, ambitransitive) To advertise a non-religious belief, way of living, cause, point of view, (scientific) hypothesis, social or other position, political party, or other organization; to convince someone to join such a cause or organization or support such a position; to recruit someone.
    Synonyms: advocate, back, endorse, peddle, recruit
    He has the annoying habit of proselytizing [his political views] at parties.
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