baptize

Where does the word "baptize" come from? It comes from Late Latin baptizare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Baptize’s story begins in Late Latin: baptizare meant “to baptize.” From Greek 'baptizein', to dip or immerse. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as baptiser. John the Baptist immersed people in the Jordan. It reached English by 1200s as baptize. 'baptism of fire' dates from the 1800s. Today, baptize means to perform the Christian rite of baptism.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient baptizare "to baptize", from Greek 'baptizein', to dip or immerse.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval baptiser "to baptize", John the Baptist immersed people in the Jordan.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s baptize "to christen", 'baptism of fire' dates from the 1800s.