verb
christen
KRIS-en/ˈkrɪsn/
To mark the beginning of use or membership through naming or baptism.
The man christens the boat by breaking a ceremonial bottle against its bow.
Etymology
Cristnian meant to baptize, literally to make Christian. Because baptism included giving an infant a name, the verb broadened to naming someone or something without requiring baptism.
In context
my parents wanted to Christen me Plum but I think at the time that was considered a little bit too extreme or Ecentric
More examples
- They christened the new boat Sea Rose.
- Let's christen the new oven by baking bread.
- She is christening the studio with its first public performance.
Forms
christen · christens · christened · christening
Similar words
- name
- Name simply assigns a name; christen can imply baptism, ceremony, or first use.