sacrifice
UK: ˈsækrɪfaɪs | US: ˈsækrɪfaɪs
n. the act of giving up something valued for a greater purpose
n. an offering to a deity, often involving ritual slaughter
vt. to surrender or give up (something valued) for a higher cause
sacrifice = sacri<holy> + fice<make>
- sacri: From Latin sacer (holy, sacred), referring to religious or divine contexts.
- fice: From Latin facere (to make or do), indicating an action or creation.
Etymology Origin:
The word sacrifice originates from Latin sacrificium, combining sacer (holy) and facere (to make). It originally denoted rituals where offerings (often animals) were made to deities to secure favor or atonement. Over time, it broadened to include any act of surrendering something valued for a greater purpose, secular or spiritual. The morphemes reflect the core idea of "making holy" through surrender.
The ancient priests performed a sacrifice to honor the gods.
She made a sacrifice by working nights to pay for her education.
The soldier’s sacrifice saved his comrades during the battle.
Parents often sacrifice their own comfort for their children’s happiness.
The ritual involved the sacrifice of a lamb.