baptism Definition
- 1a Christian religious ceremony in which a person is sprinkled with or immersed in water as a symbol of purification and admission to the Church.
- 2an act, experience, or ordeal by which someone is initiated, purified, or given a name.
Using baptism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "baptism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The baptism of Jesus Christ is described in the Bible.
Example
The baby's baptism was held at the local church.
Example
The initiation ceremony was like a baptism into the secret society.
Example
The experience was like a baptism of fire for the new employee.
baptism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for baptism
Phrases with baptism
a difficult or painful initiation or experience that tests one's character or abilities.
Example
The new recruits went through a baptism by fire during their first week of training.
Example
The early Christian martyrs were considered to have received a baptism of blood.
the belief that salvation may be granted to those who die before receiving baptism, but who have expressed a desire to receive it.
Example
The Catholic Church recognizes the concept of baptism of desire.
Origins of baptism
from Old French 'baptisme', from ecclesiastical Latin 'baptisma', from Greek 'baptizein', meaning 'to dip'
Summary: baptism in Brief
Baptism [ˈbæptɪzəm] is a Christian religious ceremony symbolizing purification and admission to the Church. It can also refer to an initiation, purification, or naming ceremony. Examples include 'The baptism of Jesus Christ' and 'The baby's baptism was held at the local church.' Phrases include 'baptism by fire,' referring to a difficult initiation, and 'baptism of blood,' referring to martyrdom.
