1 laicization | Definition of laicization
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

laicize

verb
la·​i·​cize | \ ˈlā-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce laicize (audio) \
laicized; laicizing

Definition of laicize

transitive verb

1 : to reduce to lay status
2 : to put under the direction of or open to the laity
Other Words from laicize Example Sentences Learn More about laicize

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from laicize

laicization \ ˌlā-​ə-​sə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce laicization (audio) \ noun

Examples of laicize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In 2003, laicized by the Roman Catholic Church and an outspoken believer that the end of the world was coming, Horan interrupted the British Grand Prix by running onto the racetrack, forcing cars to swerve past him. — John Branch, New York Times, "He Tackled Vanderlei de Lima, Then Fumed During Caldron Lighting," 6 Aug. 2016 He was removed from Sacred Heart in Patterson, N.Y., in 2002 after several victims came forward, and was laicized in 2005. — Sharon Otterman, New York Times, "7 Victims Name Priests Who Sexually Abused Them as Children," 18 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laicize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of laicize

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on laicize

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with laicize

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!