catechize
verb
cat·e·chize ˈka-tə-ˌkīz 
catechized; catechizing
transitive verb
1
: to instruct systematically especially by questions, answers, and explanations and corrections
specifically : to give religious instruction in such a manner
2
: to question systematically or searchingly
catechization
ˌka-ti-kə-ˈzā-shən
noun catechizer
ˈka-tə-ˌkī-zər
noun 
Synonyms
- ask
- grill
- inquire (of)
- interrogate
- query
- question
- quiz
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
her roommates catechized her about every detail of her first day at her new job applicants are rigorously catechized by the seminary's rector regarding their motives for joining the priesthood
Recent Examples on the Web Priests could not catechize children, bring the sacraments to the sick, or do pastoral work outside the local churchyard. 
George Weigel, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022
George Weigel, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022 Word History
Etymology
Late Latin catechizare, from Greek katēchein to teach, literally, to din into, from kata- cata- + ēchein to resound, from ēchē sound — more at echo
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
catechizing
verb
1
as in interrogating
to put a question or questions to her roommates catechized her about every detail of her first day at her new job Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- interrogating
- asking
- quizzing
- questioning
- querying
- grilling
- examining
- cross-questioning
- cross-examining
- bombarding
- surveying
- inquiring (of)
- besieging
- pumping
- polling
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- responding
- answering
- observing
- avoiding
- replying
- commenting
- remarking
- retorting
- rejoining
- ducking
2
as in examining
to put a series of questions to applicants are rigorously catechized by the seminary's rector regarding their motives for joining the priesthood Synonyms & Similar Words
- interrogating
- examining
- questioning
- quizzing
- grilling
- pumping
- querying
- debriefing
- sweating
- harassing
- cross-questioning
- picking the brains of
- pestering
- giving the third degree to
- cross-examining
- canvassing
- hounding
- annoying
- polling
- canvasing
