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rebaptism

rebaptism

8.0
Giving someone a religious water ceremony again
  • noun
  • /ˌriːˈbæptɪzəm/
translation icon : rebautismo
  • After a long period away from the church, she underwent a rebaptism to renew her commitment to her beliefs.

Examples

  • Expulsion from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meant that, in order to return, one would need to receive a rebaptism and perhaps the reinstatement of priesthood offices or blessings.

    Blog text (26)

  • In some religious groups, rebaptism may be seen as necessary for those returning to the faith after leaving.

  • The third citation is from Firmilian, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (d. ca. 268), who opposed Pope Stephen I in the matter of the rebaptism of heretics.

    Academic text (1997)

  • According to the Encyclopedia, Amsterdam was the location of many rebaptisms by itinerant Anabaptist preacher Melchior Hoffman in 1531.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Many sects of Christianity reject the idea of rebaptism, insisting that one baptism is sufficient for salvation.

Surface Forms

rebaptism singular
rebaptisms plural

Morphology

rebaptism = baptism (transparent) = re + baptism

The meaning is directly recoverable as 'baptism again' from the familiar prefix 're-' plus the noun 'baptism'.

Etymology

Rebaptism is made of re- ('again') and baptism, from an old Greek word meaning 'to dip' or 'to wash', so it literally means 'to dip again' and is used for being baptized a second time.