baptism of fire

noun phrase

variants or chiefly US baptism by fire
Synonyms of baptism of fire
1
: an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal
especially : a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire
2
: a spiritual baptism by a gift of the Holy Spirit
—often used in allusion to Acts 2:3–4; Matthew 3:11 (Revised Standard Version)

Examples of baptism of fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At 36, this was a baptism of fire. — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026 What a baptism of fire, filming on that ship. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 Under an intense spotlight, Legge’s debut was a baptism of fire. — Don Riddell, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025 Liam Hemsworth is experiencing a true baptism of fire. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baptism of fire

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baptism of fire was in 1625

Rhymes for baptism of fire

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Browse Nearby Words

baptism for the dead
baptism of fire
baptist
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Cite this Entry

“Baptism of fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baptism%20of%20fire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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