apostolize
|a-pos-to-lize|
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑstəˌlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɒstəˌlaɪz/
make an apostle; convert
Etymology
'apostolize' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'apostolizāre', where 'apostol-' comes from Greek 'apostolos' meaning 'one sent (an apostle)'.
'apostolizāre' in New Latin (from Greek 'apostolos') entered English usage via ecclesiastical and theological Latin in the early modern period and developed into the English verb 'apostolize'.
Initially it meant 'to make into an apostle' in a literal ecclesiastical sense; over time it broadened to include 'to convert or proselytize' and more general senses of preaching or promoting a faith.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make someone an apostle; to appoint or send as an apostle.
The early church sought to apostolize leaders in the new congregations.
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Verb 2
to convert or attempt to convert someone to a faith or set of beliefs; to proselytize or evangelize.
Missionaries traveled widely to apostolize among remote communities.
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Last updated: 2025/09/22 10:04