baptism
gb/bˈæptɪzəm/ us/bˈæptɪzəm/
B1
English
~ 7600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
Christian water ceremony of initiation
A Christian ceremony where water is used to welcome a person into the Christian faith and church.
Usage pattern:
to receive [baptism]; the baptism of [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the noun "baptism" with the verb "baptize" (BrE: "baptise"). "Baptism" is the event or ceremony (e.g., "The baptism was yesterday"), while "baptize" is the action (e.g., "The priest baptized the baby"). Another confusion is between "baptism" and "christening": in many everyday contexts they are used similarly, but some churches use "baptism" as the general religious term and "christening" only for naming a child.
Synonyms
christening (Often used especially for the baptism of a baby, and can also emphasize the naming part of the ceremony.)
Antonyms
excommunication (Refers to formally removing someone from membership in the church, the opposite direction of being accepted by baptism.)
Collocations
infant baptism
|adult baptism
|water baptism
|baptism ceremony
|baptism service
|baptism certificate
Themes
religion
|society
Examples
- Their daughter’s baptism will take place at the church on Sunday.
- He still remembers the cold water of the river at his baptism as a teenager.
- The family invited all their relatives to celebrate the baby’s baptism.
- In many churches, baptism is required before a person can receive other sacraments.
- The pastor explained the meaning of baptism before the ceremony began.
Learner examples
- We went to the church for my niece’s baptism.
- Her parents chose Maria as her godmother at the baptism.
- He had his baptism when he was ten years old.
- The priest used a small bowl of water during the baptism.
- Many people take photos after the baptism.
Noun
B2
event
2
hard or painful first experience
A very hard or stressful first time doing something, especially in a new job or activity.
Usage pattern:
a baptism of [something]; a baptism by [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "baptism" in this sense is still talking about a religious ceremony with water. In phrases like "a baptism of fire" or "a baptism by fire", it is used figuratively and usually refers to work, war, or another serious situation. Do not use it for ordinary, easy first experiences, and avoid saying just "a baptism" without context when you mean this figurative sense.
Synonyms
initiation (A general word for a first introduction to something; it does not always imply that the experience is difficult or painful the way "baptism of fire" does.)
Antonyms
easy introduction (Describes a first experience that is gentle and not stressful, the opposite of a harsh or demanding start.)
Collocations
a real baptism of fire
|political baptism of fire
|coaching baptism of fire
|managerial baptism of fire
|professional baptism of fire
|first-game baptism of fire
Themes
work
|experience
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her first week as a paramedic was a baptism of fire, with three major emergencies in two days.
- The new coach faced a baptism of fire in his debut match against the league champions.
- Managing the crisis on his first day in office proved to be a brutal baptism of fire.
- The young lawyer’s baptism of fire came when she had to argue a high-profile case alone.
- Starting work during the busiest season gave him a real baptism of fire in the company.
Learner examples
- My first day as a teacher was a baptism of fire.
- The new nurse had a baptism of fire in the emergency room.
- Playing against the best team was a baptism of fire for the young players.
- Her job started with a baptism of fire during a big storm.
- Working on the project deadline was a baptism of fire for him.
Grammar
Dictionary form
baptism
IPA
GB/bˈæptɪzəm/
US/bˈæptɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
bap - tism (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (bap)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: baptism
- Plural: baptism, baptisms
Word family
Expressions
baptism by fire
1/bˈæptɪzəm bˈaɪ fˈaɪɚ/
idiom
severe test at first attempt
A very hard first test or experience that you must go through, usually in a new role, job, or situation.
Examples
- Taking over the project just before the deadline was a baptism by fire for the new employee.
- Young firefighters often face their baptism by fire during a large, fast-moving blaze.
baptism of fire
1/bˈæptɪzəm əv fˈaɪɚ/
idiom
very hard first experience
A very difficult or stressful first time doing a job or activity, often with a lot of pressure or danger.
Examples
- Leading the team during a major crisis was his baptism of fire as a manager.
- Her baptism of fire as a reporter came when she had to cover a natural disaster on her first day.
- For the rookie soldiers, the surprise attack was a terrifying baptism of fire.