[syn: evangelize, evangelise]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
evangelize \e*van"gel*ize\ ([-e]*v[a^]n"j[e^]l*[imac]z), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. evangelized ([-e]*v[a^]n"j[e^]l*[imac]zd); p.
pr. & vb. n. evangelizing
([-e]*v[a^]n"j[e^]l*[imac]*z[i^]ng)]. [F. ['e]vang['e]lisre,
LL. evangelizare, fr. Gr. e'yaggeli`zesqai.]
1. To instruct in the gospel; to preach the gospel to; to
convert to Christianity; as, to evangelize the world.
[1913 Webster]
His apostles whom he sends
To evangelize the nations. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence: [metaphorical] To preach and attempt to convert
(people) to one's firmly held belief.
[PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Evangelize \E*van"gel*ize\, v. i.
To preach the gospel.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
evangelize
v 1: preach the gospel (to) [syn: evangelize, evangelise]
2: convert to Christianity; "The missionaries evangelized the
Pacific Islanders" [syn: evangelize, evangelise]