proselytize

Verb

proselytize (third-person singular simple present proselytizes, present participle proselytizing, simple past and past participle proselytized)

1. (ambitransitive, broadly) To advertise one’s religious beliefs; to convert (someone) to one’s own faith or religious movement or encourage them to do so.
   • One of these [people] whom they endeavour to proselytize.1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles]...
   • “I am not sent here to proselytize. My church is not in that business.”1909, Ralph Connor, chapter 14, in The Foreigner

   Synonyms:

   evangelize, convert

   1. (ambitransitive, broadly, strictly) To coerce into religious conversion.
2. (ambitransitive, broadly) To advertise a non-religious belief, way of living, cause, point of view, (scientific) hypothesis, social or other position, political party, or other organization; to convince someone to join such a cause or organization or support such a position; to recruit someone.
   • He has strong political views, and an annoying habit of proselytizing at parties.
   • Previously I promised not to proselytize miserism, but now I want to renege a little on that promise. If your family income is anywhere near average, you can scrimp and save and cut back for maybe two to four years […]2010, Dolly Freed, Possum Living, page 149

   Synonyms:

   advocate, back, endorse, peddle, recruit