'baptize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'baptizein', where 'bapto' meant 'to dip' or 'to immerse' and 'bapt-' related to immersion.

'baptize' changed from the Late Latin word 'baptizare' and Old French 'baptiser', and through Middle English 'baptisen' it eventually became the modern English word 'baptize'.

Initially, it meant 'to dip or immerse'; over time it evolved to mean specifically 'to perform the Christian rite of baptism' and by extension 'to name or inaugurate'.