baptism of fire

NOUN

trying experience

Synonyms

WEAK

hazing initiation martyrdom ordeal rite of passage rude introduction test of courage trial by fire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was a baptism of fire in a 5-0 defeat, but the player Everton fans would come to love was on show again a few days later.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Balfe: It was a bit of a baptism of fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Former midfielder Carrick was installed as boss until the end of the season this week and faces a baptism of fire when Manchester City visit on Saturday.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

He was still relatively raw when he travelled to Russia to face Kovalev, a baptism of fire that became the defining early chapter of his career.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

His consecration of suffering was elevated to a sacrament, and called the baptism of fire or of blood.

From Valeria The Martyr of the Catacombs by Withrow, William Henry