A baptism is a Christian ceremony in which a person is baptized. Compare christening.
More Synonyms of baptism
baptism in British English
(ˈbæpˌtɪzəm)
noun
1.
a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church
2.
the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism
3.
any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication
Derived forms
baptismal (bapˈtismal)
adjective
baptismally (bapˈtismally)
adverb
baptism in American English
(ˈbæpˌtɪzəm)
noun
1.
a baptizing or being baptized; specif., the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into Christianity or a specific Christian church by immersing the individual in water or by pouring or sprinkling water on the individual, as a symbol of washing away sin and of spiritual purification
2.
any experience or ordeal that initiates, tests, or purifies
Derived forms
baptismal (bapˈtismal) (ˈbæpˈtɪzməl)
adjective
baptismally (bapˈtismally)
adverb
Word origin
ME & OFr baptesme < LL(Ec) baptisma, Christian baptism < L, a dipping under < Gr < baptizein: see baptize
More idioms containing
baptism
a baptism of fire
Examples of 'baptism' in a sentence
baptism
Marriage and baptism set out a framework for the nourishing and fulfilment of family life.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But from his chapel he continues to prepare personnel for baptisms and weddings.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The baptism has been tougher than expected.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It has been a tough baptism in the top flight for the majority of the squad.
The Sun (2006)
We strongly encourage them to worship with us weekly for three months before we talk about marriage or baptism.
Christianity Today (2000)
They hold power over marriages, baptisms and funerals.
The Sun (2015)
It will be a tough baptism for the former Scotland scrum half but one that he will relish.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That would have been a tough baptism for anybody, let alone somebody with great expectations on his shoulders.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A tough baptism and harsh lesson.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They would also be able to dress without robes for weddings, funerals and baptisms if the family involved wanted a less formal service.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Is it wise for the Church of England to offer a combined marriage and baptism service?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It was a tough baptism for the young Britain players, though one they seemed to have enjoyed.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A huge 66 per cent said they only went for weddings, funerals and baptisms in the last year.
The Sun (2007)
In other languages
baptism
British English: baptism NOUN
A baptism is a Christian ceremony in which a person is baptized.
Infants prepared for baptism should be dressed in pure white.
a Christian religious rite in which a person is immersed in or sprinkled with water as a sign of being cleansed from sin and accepted as a member of the Church
We are at a site of baptism, a place of worship.
Synonyms
christening
naming
sprinkling
purification
immersion
2 (noun)
The new members face a tough baptism against Leeds.
Synonyms
initiation
This was my initiation into the peace movement.
beginning
Think of this as a new beginning.
debut
This young player has his international debut next week.
introduction
Her introduction to parliament could have been easier.
admission
There has been a slight increase in hospital admissions.
dedication
inauguration
They later attended the inauguration of the University.
induction
an induction course for new members
inception
Since its inception, the company has produced 53 different designs.
rite of passage
commencement
All applicants should be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of this course.
investiture
Edward VIII's investiture as Prince of Wales in 1911
baptism of fire
instatement
Additional synonyms
in the sense of admission
Definition
permission to join an organization
There has been a slight increase in hospital admissions.
Synonyms
admittance,
access,
entry,
introduction,
entrance,
acceptance,
initiation,
entrée,
ingress
in the sense of beginning
Definition
a start
Think of this as a new beginning.
Synonyms
start,
opening,
break (informal),
chance,
source,
opportunity,
birth,
origin,
introduction,
outset,
starting point,
onset,
overture,
initiation,
inauguration,
inception,
commencement,
opening move
in the sense of commencement
Definition
the beginning
All applicants should be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of this course.