1 to give a religious talk in a public place, especially in a church during a service:
[V] She preached to the congregation about forgiveness. * [VN] The minister preached a sermon on the parable of the lost sheep.
2 to tell people about a particular religion, way of life, system, etc. in order to persuade them to accept it:
[VN] to preach the word of God * He preached the virtues of capitalism to us. * [V] She preached about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
3 [V] (disapproving) to give sb advice on morals, behaviour, etc., especially in a way that they find annoying or boring:
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to preach. * You're preaching at me again!
IDIOMS
preach to the converted to speak to people in support of views that they already hold
moreatPRACTISE
