catechize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to instruct someone in religious doctrine by means of questions and answers

   The minister would catechize the children before their confirmation.

2. 2
   verb

   to question someone closely or systematically

   The examiner began to catechize the witness about every detail of the journey.

From Late Latin catechizare and Greek katekhizein, 'to instruct orally,' from kata-, 'down or thoroughly,' + ekhein, 'to sound.' The formal religious question-and-answer method led to the broader sense 'question closely.'

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