1. performs the Christian sacrament of baptism on someone by immersing in or sprinkling with water
Usage: religious
2. gives a name to someone or something, especially in a ceremony
3. initiates someone into a new experience or situation
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The priest baptizes infants every Sunday after morning service.
• She baptizes new members of the congregation in the river.
• The minister baptizes children when they reach the age of twelve.
• The captain baptizes the new ship with champagne.
• Life baptizes us all with unexpected challenges.
• The coach baptizes rookie players with intense training sessions.