Etymology Map
Back to all words

Baptize

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means to perform the Christian rite of baptism

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

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

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.