disciple

noun dis·ci·ple \di-ˈsī-pəl\

: someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of a famous person

: one of a group of 12 men who were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ

Full Definition of DISCIPLE

: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as

a : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts

b : a convinced adherent of a school or individual

capitalized : a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the United States in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usually baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity

— dis·ci·ple·ship \-ˌship\ noun

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Origin of DISCIPLE

Middle English, from Old English discipul & Anglo-French disciple, from Late Latin and Latin; Late Latin discipulus follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime, from Latin, pupil

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DISCIPLE

Synonyms: acolyte, adherent, convert, follower, epigone, liege man, partisan (also partizan), pupil, votarist, votary

Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader

Synonym Discussion of DISCIPLE

follower, adherent, disciple, partisan mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another. follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another <an evangelist and his followers>. adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment <adherents to Marxism>. disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master <disciples of Gandhi>. partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment <partisans of the President>.

DISCIPLESHIP Defined for Kids