christen

views updated May 23 2018

chris·ten / ˈkrisən/ • v. [tr.] (often be christened) give (a baby) a Christian name at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church: their second daughter was christened Jeanette. ∎  give to (someone or something) a name that reflects a notable quality or characteristic: a person so creepy that his colleagues christened him “Millipede.” ∎  dedicate (a vessel, building, etc.) ceremonially: their first garbage truck was christened with a bottle of champagne. ∎ inf. use for the first time: let's get steaks and christen the new grill.DERIVATIVES: chris·ten·er / ˈkris(ə)nər/ n.