Baptizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in Christian religious contexts to describe the act of sprinkling water on a person, usually an infant, while reciting certain prayers, marking their entry into the Christian community.

• The family was so excited about their child’s baptizing last Sunday.
• Baptizing is a special ritual that signifies a new beginning.

Often interchangeable with 'baptizing,' but specifically emphasizes the ceremony of giving a baby their Christian name.

• We attended the christening of their baby at the local church.
• Christening ceremonies are joyful events for the entire family.

Relates to the broader concept of formally admitting someone into a group or setting them on a particular path, often used outside religious contexts as well.

• The initiation into the club involved various activities.
• His initiation into the team was an important milestone.

Used in various religious and non-religious contexts to refer to a ceremony where something or someone is devoted to a particular purpose, often used among Evangelical Christians where the child is dedicated to God without the use of water.

• The church held a dedication ceremony for the new building.
• They had a dedication service for their newborn.