rebaptize
|re-bap-tize|
/ˌriːbəpˈtaɪz/
baptize again
Etymology
'rebaptize' originates from the Latin prefix 're-' meaning 'again' combined with 'baptize', which ultimately comes from Greek 'baptizein' meaning 'to dip' (via Late Latin 'baptizare').
'rebaptize' was formed in Modern English by adding the prefix 're-' to the earlier English verb 'baptize', which itself came into English from Middle English 'baptysen' (from Old French 'baptiser' and Late Latin 'baptizare', from Greek 'baptizein').
Initially it meant 'to baptize again' in a literal religious sense; over time it has also acquired a figurative sense of 'to rename' or 'to give a new identity'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to baptize someone again; to administer baptism a second time or anew.
The church decided to rebaptize the converts who had been baptized in a different rite.
Synonyms
Verb 2
(Figurative) To give a new name, label, or identity to someone or something; to rename.
The organization rebaptized the program as a community outreach initiative.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/15 08:05