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proselytizer

/ˈprɑsələˌtaɪzər/
IPA guide

Other forms: proselytizers

A proselytizer is someone who tries hard to convince others to switch to their religion or way of living. If you're constantly urging your friends to adopt a cat from the local shelter, they may describe you as a cat rescue proselytizer!

A proselytizer can be a religious evangelist, someone who believes their own salvation depends on converting other people to their religion. You can also use the word for anyone who is intensely focused on convincing you to vote for their favorite candidate or do a certain kind of exercise: "He's great, but he's an incessant yoga proselytizer!" Proselytizer is from the noun proselyte, “a new convert,” and the Greek root prosēlytos, “stranger.”

Definitions of proselytizer
  1. noun
    one who converts or tries to convert someone from one faith, belief, or opinion to another
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘proselytizer'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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