Christianize

/ˈkrɪstiənaɪz/ verb

Definition

To convert someone or a place to Christianity; to make something Christian in nature, spirit, or practice.

Etymology

From 'Christian' + '-ize' (Greek '-izein', to make or practice). Medieval missionaries 'christianized' entire nations by converting rulers and populations to Christianity.

Kelly Says

Christianize was colonialism's religious weapon—European powers used it to justify converting indigenous peoples, reframing conquest as spiritual salvation.

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