catechize (redirected from catechises)

cat·e·chize  (kt-kz)

tr.v. cat·e·chized, cat·e·chiz·ing, cat·e·chiz·es

1. To teach the principles of Christian dogma, discipline, and ethics by means of questions and answers.

2. To question or examine closely or methodically: "Boswell was eternally catechizing him on all kinds of subjects" (Thomas Macaulay).

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[Middle English catecizen, from Old French catechiser, from Medieval Latin catchizre, from Late Greek katkhizein, from Greek katkhein : kata-, down, off, out; see cata- + khein, to sound (from kh, sound).]

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cate·chi·zation (-k-zshn) n.

cate·chizer n.

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catechize or -echise

Verb

[-echizing, -echized] or -echising, -echised

1. to instruct in Christianity using a catechism

2. to question (someone) thoroughly [Greek katēkhizein]

catechist n

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	catechize - examine through questioning and answering catechise examine - question closely
	2.	catechize - give religious instructions to catechise instruct, teach, learn - impart skills or knowledge to; "I taught them French"; "He instructed me in building a boat"