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missionary

 - 3 dictionary results
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mis⋅sion⋅ar⋅y

  [mish-uh-ner-ee] noun, plural -ar⋅ies, adjective
Use missionary in a Sentence
–noun Also, mis⋅sion⋅er.
1. a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.
2. a person strongly in favor of a program, set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others.
3. a person who is sent on a mission.
–adjective
4. pertaining to or connected with religious missions.
5. engaged in such a mission, or devoted to work connected with missions.
6. reflecting or prompted by the desire to persuade or convert others: the missionary efforts of political fanatics.
7. characteristic of a missionary.
Origin:
1635–45; < NL missiōnārius. See mission, -ary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To missionary
Short Term Missions Trips
Create your own mission trip or join one to reach the nations
www.crossworld.org/getinvolved/
Missionary Airfare Expert
Individual and Group Discounts. Book Now for Special Savings.
www.EconomyTravel.com/Missionary
mis·sion·ar·y   (mĭsh'ə-něr'ē)   
n.   pl. mis·sion·ar·ies

  1. One who is sent on a mission, especially one sent to do religious or charitable work in a territory or foreign country.

  2. One who attempts to persuade or convert others to a particular program, doctrine, or set of principles; a propagandist.

adj.  

  1. Of or relating to missions or missionaries.

  2. Engaged in the activities of a mission or missionary.

  3. Tending to propagandize or use insistent persuasion: missionary fervor.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

missionary  (n.)
1656, from mission (q.v.). Missionary position first attested 1969; allegedly so called because Christian missionaries forced it on "primitive" people to replace their more creative variations.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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