baptism of fire

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 11, 2026 is: baptism of fire \BAP-tiz-um-uv-FYRE\ noun A baptism of fire (or baptism by fire, as it is sometimes referred to in the U.S.) is an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal. In military contexts, baptism of fire specifically refers to a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire. // The newly recruited player faced a…