Past tense of baptise (British spelling); performed the Christian ritual of baptism or initiated someone into a new experience.
From Greek baptizein meaning 'to dip' or 'to immerse,' through Latin baptizare. The religious meaning developed in early Christianity, while the metaphorical sense of initiation emerged later.
The word baptised reveals how religious terminology constantly flows into secular language - we speak of being 'baptised by fire' in any challenging first experience, showing how spiritual concepts become universal metaphors for transformation.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.