re-baptizing
|re-bap-tiz-ing|
/ˌriːˈbæp.taɪz/
(re-baptize)
baptize again
Etymology
're-baptize' originates from the prefix 're-' (from Latin 're-') meaning 'again' combined with 'baptize,' which comes from Greek 'baptizein' meaning 'to dip' or 'to immerse'.
'baptize' comes from Greek 'baptizein' → Late Greek/Medieval Latin 'baptizare' → Old French/Latin ecclesiastical usage, and entered Middle English; adding the productive prefix 're-' produced 're-baptize' meaning 'to baptize again'.
Originally related to the physical action 'to dip or immerse,' the term 'baptize' shifted to mean the Christian sacramental act of baptism; with the prefix 're-' it specifically denotes performing that sacramental act again.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of baptizing again; a second administration of baptism (often used as a gerund or verbal noun).
Re-baptizing became a controversial issue within the congregation.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to baptize again; to perform the rite of baptism on someone a second time (often because the original baptism is considered invalid or insufficient).
The council debated whether re-baptizing members who had been baptized in another denomination was necessary.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/13 06:32