Baptism

/ˈbæptɪzəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipients to the Christian community.

The child’s baptism was held at the local church last Sunday.

The act of initiating someone into a particular activity or culture.

His first experience of skydiving was a baptism of fire that hooked him on the sport.

A ceremony of initiation in various religious traditions.

The baptism of the new members into the congregation was a joyous event.

From Greek 'baptisma', meaning 'dipping' or 'immersion'.

baptism by fire

A challenging or difficult introduction to a new situation.

baptism of fire

An initial experience of undergoing a trial or challenge.

christen

To give a name to in a ceremony, often in conjunction with baptism.

sacrament

A religious ceremony or act that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace.

Jumping into something new.

He just got a new job, and it's his baptism into the corporate world.

Going through a tough initiation.

The first week of training was a real baptism for the recruits.