ETYM Latin missio, from mittere, missum, to send: cf. French mission. Related to Missile.
1. A task that has been assigned to a person or group; SYN. charge, commission.
2. An operation that is assigned by a higher headquarters; SYN. military mission.
3. An organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work; SYN. missionary post, missionary station, foreign mission.
4. The organized work of a religious missionary; SYN. missionary work.

1. Of or relating to a style used in the early Spanish missions of the southwestern United States
2. Of, relating to, or having the characteristic of a style of plain heavy usually oak

1. City in Kansas (USA); zip code 66205.
2. City in South Dakota (USA); zip code 57555.
3. City in Texas (USA).
4. Unincorporated community in Oregon (USA).

Organized attempt to spread a religion. Throughout history, Christianity has been the most aggressive missionary religion; its activities during the colonization of what are now Third World nations was in some instances excessive, and it has frequently been criticized for obliterating both the beliefs and the people of some indigenous societies, as during the Spanish Conquest. During the 20th century, sects such as the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses proselytize regularly and systematically. Islam also has a history of militant missionizing, but in the 20th century has found ready converts in the Black Muslim movement of the US. Buddhism was spread both historically and recently by the teaching spirit of the wandering Buddha and his followers.
In developmental terms, the transition from tribal religions to the Great World Religions can be traced to the missionary movement that emerged in the ancient Near East even before the beginning of the Christian era. See, for example, Mithraism.
City in S Texas, US, near the Rio Grande, W of McAllen; The economy is based on processing the area's citrus fruits and vegetables, and on nearby oil wells.

1. To send on or entrust with a mission
2. To carry on a religious mission among or in