Baptism
/ˈbæp.tɪ.zəm/noun
A Christian rite of initiation involving the use of water, symbolizing purification or admission into the faith.
Did you know?In its earliest Greek form, the word was tied to dipping, plunging, and even dyeing—so the sacred rite began with a very literal idea of being fully submerged.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷʰebʰ-
“to dip, immerse”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βάπτω (báptō)
“to dip, plunge, dye”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βαπτίζω (baptízō)
“to dip repeatedly, immerse, baptize”
Late Latin
Latin
baptismus
“baptism, Christian rite of immersion”
Old French
Old French
baptisme
“baptism”
Middle English
English
baptisme
“the Christian sacrament of baptism”
Modern English
English
baptism
“the Christian rite of initiation using water”