christianize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low FrequencyFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “christianize” mean?
To make someone or something Christian, especially by converting to Christianity or imposing Christian beliefs and practices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make someone or something Christian, especially by converting to Christianity or imposing Christian beliefs and practices.
To make something conform to Christian principles, values, or character. Used literally for religious conversion and figuratively for adopting Christian ethics or worldview.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'Christianise' is the standard UK variant, while 'Christianize' is standard in US English.
Connotations
In both, the term is most common in historical, theological, or sociological discourse.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used primarily in academic or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “christianize” in a Sentence
[Agent/Group] + christianize + [Population/Region][Missionary/Church] + sought + to christianize + [the tribe/area]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christianize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Early missionaries sought to Christianise the pagan tribes of northern Europe.
- The policy aimed to gradually Christianise the local customs and festivals.
American English
- Colonial powers often attempted to Christianize indigenous populations.
- Scholars debate the methods used to Christianize the Roman Empire.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and sociology texts to discuss conversion efforts.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Used as a specific term in missiology (study of religious missions).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “christianize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “christianize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christianize”
- Confusing with 'christen' (to baptize or name). Incorrectly using for personal, non-systematic conversion (e.g., 'My friend christianized me' sounds odd). Overusing in modern non-academic contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for converting people, it can also refer to making customs, laws, or art forms conform to Christian principles (e.g., 'christianize a pagan holiday').
The main noun forms are 'Christianization' (US) / 'Christianisation' (UK) for the process, and 'Christianizer' for a person or agent who does it.
It can. In neutral academic use, it describes a historical process. However, it often carries a negative connotation when discussing the forceful imposition of Christianity on other cultures.
It is unusual and sounds impersonal or institutional. For an individual's voluntary conversion, phrases like 'convert to Christianity' or 'become a Christian' are more natural.
To make someone or something Christian, especially by converting to Christianity or imposing Christian beliefs and practices.
Christianize is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Christianize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪstʃəˌnaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪstʃəˌnaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No specific idioms for this verb.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To make something or someone follow the 'Christ-ian' way.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRISTIANIZATION IS A TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS / IMPOSING A WORLDVIEW IS IMPRINTING A SHAPE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'christianize' LEAST likely to be used?