I. ˈprēch verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English prechen, from Old French preechier, prechier, precher, from Late Latin praedicare, from Latin, to proclaim publicly, praise, from prae- pre- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction
intransitive verb
1. : to proclaim the gospel : discourse publicly on a religious subject or from a text of Scripture : deliver a sermon
preached on grace to a large congregation
2. : to urge acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action
preached against speculation and in favor of honest investment — Arthur Pound
specifically : to exhort in an officious or tiresome manner
kept preaching at his students about studying
transitive verb
1. : to set forth in a sermon or a formal religious address
the minister's duty to preach the Word of God
preach the gospel
2. : to advocate earnestly (as by public speaking or writing)
preach the doctrine of states' rights
: inculcate
puppet shows that preach safety — Lamp
3. : to utter publicly (as a sermon) : deliver
preached a homily on forgiveness
4. : to bring, put, or affect by preaching
preached the … church out of debt — American Guide Series: Virginia
II. noun
( -es )
: exhortation