baptism of fire

baptism of fire
Etymology: translation of Late Greek baptisma pyros
1. : a spiritual baptism by the gift of the Holy Spirit — often used in allusion to Acts 2:3-4; Mt 3:11 (RSV)
2. : an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal; specifically : a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire

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1. spiritual sanctification as a gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. the first time a soldier faces battle.
3. any severe ordeal that tests one's endurance.
[1815-25]

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baptism of fire noun
1. The gift of the Holy Spirit
2. Martyrdom by fire regarded as an equivalent to baptism
3. Any trying ordeal, such as a first experience of being under fire
• • •
Main Entry:baptize

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baptism of fire,
1. the first time that a soldier is exposed to enemy fire.
2. Figurative. any severe trial or test; ordeal: »

The traffic policeman's first day of work was a baptism of fire.

3. the grace of baptism; baptism by gift of the Holy Ghost (in the Bible, Matthew 3:11).
4. martyrdom.

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a difficult or painful new undertaking or experience
Origin:
from the original sense of ‘a soldier's first battle’

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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