prebaptize

/prɪˈbætɪzaɪz/

Definitions

1. verb

to baptize (someone) before they are eligible for baptism, often for symbolic or theological reasons

“Some churches prebaptized children to emphasize their spiritual heritage.”

2. verb

to administer baptism to someone in anticipation of a later, more formal baptism

“The missionaries decided to prebaptize the new converts, knowing that they would undergo a more formal baptism later.”

Synonyms

  • baptise
  • initiate
  • ordain

Antonyms

  • disbaptize
  • excommunicate