proselytize

present singular third person proselytizes · participle present proselytizing · participle past proselytized · past proselytized · alternative proselytise

1. ambitransitivebroadlyTo advertise one’s religious beliefs; to convert (someone) to one’s own faith or religious movement or encourage them to do so.

   It is illegal to proselytize [children] in some countries

   3 more examples

   One of these [people] whom they endeavour to proselytize.

   1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles] Rivington, […], →OCLC

   “I am not sent here to proselytize. My church is not in that business.”

   1909, Ralph Connor, chapter 14, in The Foreigner

   Counterterrorism officials believe bin Laden has set up cells to proselytize the large Middle East expatriate population living in the area.

   2001 December 10, Douglas Waller, “A Terror Threat From The South”, in Time

   Synonyms: evangelize, convert

   1. ambitransitivebroadlystrictlyTo coerce into religious conversion.

      Synonyms: evangelize, convert, convert

2. ambitransitivebroadlyTo advertise a non-religious belief, way of living, cause, point of view, (scientific) hypothesis, social or other position, political party, or other organization; to convince someone to join such a cause or organization or support such a position; to recruit someone.

   He has strong political views, and an annoying habit of proselytizing at parties.

   1 more example

   Previously I promised not to proselytize miserism, but now I want to renege a little on that promise. If your family income is anywhere near average, you can scrimp and save and cut back for maybe two to four years […]

   2010, Dolly Freed, Possum Living, page 149

   Synonyms: advocate, back, endorse, peddle, recruit