immolate
UK: /ˈɪm.ə.leɪt/ | US: /ˈɪm.ə.leɪt/
vt. to kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning
vt. (figuratively) to destroy or surrender something for a cause
immolate = im<upon> + mol<mill> + ate<verb suffix>
- im (Latin in-, "upon" or "into")
- mol (Latin mola, "millstone" or "ground grain," referring to sacrificial meal sprinkled on victims)
- ate (Latin -atus, verb-forming suffix)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin immolare, meaning "to sprinkle with sacrificial meal (ground grain)" before burning an offering. Over time, it narrowed to signify sacrificial burning itself. The logic lies in the ritual act: scattering meal (mol) upon (im) a victim, then burning it. The modern sense retains the idea of destruction for a higher purpose, literal or symbolic.
Ancient priests would immolate animals to appease the gods.
The activist immolated himself in protest against the regime.
Some cultures immolated valuable goods during funerals.
She metaphorically immolated her career for her family’s sake.
The cult leader ordered followers to immolate their possessions.