What does atheizing mean?
Atheizing is the present participle of the rare English verb 'atheize', which means to make atheistic — to strip a person, institution, or society of belief in God or organized religion — or, less commonly, to act as an atheist oneself. The word derives from Greek roots: 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'theos' meaning 'god', combined with the English verbal suffix '-ize'. Historically, it appeared chiefly in nineteenth-century religious controversy, where critics used it to warn against supposedly godless influences in education, politics, or culture. Because of this heritage, atheizing tends to carry a polemical or disapproving connotation, typically voiced by those defending religion rather than by atheists themselves. Today the word is uncommon and sounds somewhat archaic, though it remains intelligible to readers familiar with its components. It offers a compact, vivid way to describe the perceived spread of unbelief, especially in historical or rhetorical contexts.
verb (present participle of 'atheize')Atheizing is the present participle of the rare verb 'atheize', meaning to render something atheistic, or to advocate for, adopt, or practice atheism.
- (transitive) To make atheistic; to strip a person, institution, or society of belief in God or religion.
- (intransitive, rare) To act as an atheist; to profess or promote atheism.
"Critics accused the reformers of atheizing the nation's schools by removing all religious instruction."
"The pamphleteer warned that the new textbooks were atheizing the youth of the province."
"He spent his later years openly atheizing, debating clergy in packed public halls."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of atheizing
Atheizing comes from the verb 'atheize', formed in English from the Greek-derived adjective 'atheos' ('without god') plus the suffix '-ize'. Its root is shared with 'atheist' and 'atheism', both borrowed through Latin and French from Greek 'atheos'. The verb arose in English religious polemic, most notably during the nineteenth century, when writers described institutions or ideas as being made atheistic.
Related word forms
How atheizing is actually used
'Atheize' and its participle 'atheizing' are rare and largely historical words, found mostly in 19th-century religious polemic; they carry a pejorative tone when used by opponents and sound archaic today.
Easily confused with atheizing
Apologetics-related 'apologizing' means making a defense or expressing regret, whereas atheizing concerns rendering godless or promoting atheism.