Baptist
UK: ˈbaptɪst | US: ˈbæptɪst
n. 1. A member of a Christian denomination emphasizing believer's baptism by immersion.
n. 2. (Historical) One who baptizes; a baptizer.
The word "Baptist" traces back to the Greek verb baptizein ("to dip, immerse"), which entered Late Latin as baptista and Old French as baptiste. The suffix -ist denotes an agent, forming a noun meaning "one who baptizes." The term became specifically associated with John the Baptist (Greek Ioannes ho Baptistēs), the biblical figure who practiced immersion baptism. Later, it was adopted by Protestant groups advocating adult baptism by immersion, solidifying its modern denominational sense.
The Baptist church held a baptism ceremony in the river.
John the Baptist is a central figure in Christian tradition.
Many Baptist congregations prioritize congregational autonomy.
She converted to the Baptist faith as an adult.
The Baptist preacher emphasized the importance of personal faith.