proselytize

• (UK) proselytise

proselyte +‎ -ize

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɒs.əl.ɪ.taɪz/, /ˈpɹɒs.əl.ə.taɪz/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɑ.sə.lɪ.taɪz/, /ˈpɹɑ.sə.lə.taɪz/

proselytize (third-person singular simple present proselytizes, present participle proselytizing, simple past and past participle proselytized)

1. (intransitive, transitive) To advertise one’s religious beliefs; to convert (someone) to one’s own faith or religious movement or encourage them to do so.
   • Burke

     One of those whom they endeavour to proselytize.

   • 1909, Ralph Connor, The Foreigner, ch. 14:

     “I am not sent here to proselytize. My church is not in that business.”

   • 2001, Douglas Waller, “A Terror Threat From The South”, Time, 10 Dec.:

     Counterterrorism officials believe bin Laden has set up cells to proselytize the large Middle East expatriate population living in the area.

   It is illegal to proselytize [children] in some countries

2. (intransitive, transitive) To advertise a non-religious belief, way of living, cause, point of view, (scientific) hypothesis, social or other position, political party, or other organization; to convince someone to join such a cause or organization or support such a position, to recruit someone.

   He has the annoying habit of proselytizing [his political views] at parties.

• proselyte
• proselytism