laicize
verb/ˈleɪ.ɪ.saɪz/ · /ˈleɪsʌɪz/
Etymology From laic (“layperson”) + -ize (verbal suffix).
1
To convert from church-controlled to independent of the church; to secularize.
- They will laicise each of the schools in the district.
2
To reduce from clergy to layman.
- Due to his controversial views the Vatican decided to laicise the priest.
3
To convert to lay status.
- The soup kitchen laicised, it moved out of the church and registered as an independent non-profit.