'baptize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'baptizein' (βαπτίζειν), where the root 'bapto-' meant 'to dip' or 'to immerse'.

'baptize' passed into Late Latin as 'baptizare', into Old French as 'baptiser', and into Middle English as 'baptysen', eventually becoming the modern English 'baptize'.

Initially it meant 'to dip or immerse'; over time it evolved into the religious sense 'to perform the Christian rite of baptism' and related figurative senses such as 'to give a name' or 'to initiate'.