Definition

1. Verb:
   • To examine or instruct someone through a series of questions and answers, often in a formal or systematic manner.
   • To give religious instruction, particularly in the principles of Christian doctrine, using a catechism (a summary of religious principles in question-and-answer form).

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The priest will catechise the children before their First Communion.
  • The lawyer began to catechise the witness to test the consistency of her story.
  • During the class, the teacher catechised the students on the key events of the revolution.

Advanced Usage

• "To catechise someone on/about something": To question someone intensively on a specific topic.
  • The panel catechised the candidate about her previous policy decisions.
• The process or act of catechising is known as catechization.

Variants and Related Words

• Catechism (n): A book or manual containing a summary of principles, especially of religious doctrine, in the form of questions and answers.
  • He studied the catechism carefully.
• Catechesis (n): Religious instruction given to a person in preparation for Christian baptism or confirmation.
• Catechist (n): A person who catechises, especially one who instructs catechumens.

Synonyms

• Quiz: To question someone closely.
• Examine: To inspect or scrutinize through questioning.
• Instruct: To provide with knowledge, especially in a methodical way.
• Drill: To instruct or exercise by repetition.

Related Phrases

• To put someone through their catechism: To question someone rigorously. (This is an idiomatic expression derived from the religious practice).
  • The new manager put the team through their catechism about the revised procedures.

Verb

1. examine through questioning and answering
2. give religious instructions to