The Spanish verb 'catequizar' (meaning 'to catechize' or 'to instruct in religious doctrine') comes from the Latin 'catechizare', which had the same meaning. The Latin term was borrowed from Ancient Greek 'katechízein' (κατηχίζειν), which meant 'to instruct' or 'to teach by word of mouth'. The Greek word was particularly associated with oral instruction and teaching, which explains its later specialized use in religious education.

This word is related to other Spanish religious education terms like 'catequesis' (catechesis) and 'catequista' (catechist). These words share the same Greek root and are commonly used in Spanish-speaking religious contexts.

English speakers might recognize this word's connection to 'catechize', 'catechism', and 'catechetical', which all come from the same Greek root. Just as in Spanish, these English words are specifically associated with religious instruction and teaching, particularly in the Christian tradition. The English 'catechism' refers to a summary of religious doctrine often taught through question-and-answer format.