To teach someone religious beliefs or important ideas by asking questions and expecting answers, or to question someone thoroughly about their beliefs.
From Greek 'katechizein' meaning 'to teach orally' or 'to instruct by word of mouth.' The term entered English through ecclesiastical use in the early Christian church, where it was the primary teaching method.
Medieval monks didn't have PowerPoint, so catechizing—drilling ideas through questions—became their way to ensure knowledge stuck in memory, which is why modern research shows that asking questions you have to answer actually helps you learn better than just reading.
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