'baptism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'baptismos,' where 'bapto' meant 'to dip or immerse.'

'baptismos' transformed into the Latin word 'baptismus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'baptism' through Old French 'bapteme.'

Initially, it meant 'to immerse in water as a religious rite,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a Christian sacrament of initiation.'