rebaptize

A pastor rebaptizes a person in a river.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To baptize again: "rebaptize" means to administer the Christian sacrament of baptism to someone who has already been baptized, often due to a change in religious denomination or a personal reaffirmation of faith.
   • To rename or give a new name: By extension, "rebaptize" can mean to give a new name to someone or something, especially in a ceremonial or official context.

Usage Examples

• (Baptized again according to new religious practices.)
• (Gave a new name to the product line.)

Advanced Usage

• "to rebaptize oneself": to undergo a second baptism voluntarily.

  • She decided to rebaptize herself as a symbol of spiritual renewal. (She chose to be baptized again for personal reasons.)

• "rebaptize in fire": a figurative expression meaning to undergo a severe test or trial that renews or transforms.

  • The team was rebaptized in fire during the crisis, emerging stronger than before. (They were tested and transformed by a difficult experience.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rebaptism (n): the act or ceremony of baptizing again.

  • The rebaptism ceremony was held at the river. (The second baptism event.)

• Rebaptizer (n): a person who performs or advocates rebaptism.

  • The rebaptizer insisted on full immersion. (The person who conducts rebaptism.)

• Baptize (v): the base word meaning to administer baptism.

  • The priest will baptize the infant. (Perform the first baptism.)

Synonyms

• Rechristen: to name again, often in a formal ceremony.
• Renew: to make new or fresh, especially in a spiritual sense.
• Rededicate: to commit oneself again to a religious or spiritual path.

Phrasal Verbs

• Rebaptize into: to initiate someone into a new group or belief system through a second baptism.
  • He was rebaptized into the new congregation. (He was formally accepted into the new church through a second baptism.)

Related Idioms

• Baptism of fire: a difficult or challenging first experience (not directly related to "rebaptize", but often contrasted with it).
  • His first job was a baptism of fire, but he survived. (A harsh initiation.)