Crucifixion
ˌkruːsɪfɪˈkʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of being put to death by being fastened to a cross; the execution or a depiction of this execution.
ˌkruːsɪfɪˈkʃən
The act of crucifying or the state of being crucified.
The artist depicted the crucifixion of Jesus with great detail.
💡 Simply: Imagine a person tied to a big wooden cross as a way of punishment. The word 'crucifixion' is about that act of being put on the cross. It’s like a very long, painful timeout, but it ends very badly. It's most famously associated with the death of Jesus.
👶 For kids: When someone is tied to a cross and left there to die. It's a very sad thing.
More Examples
Historians study the details of crucifixion as a form of Roman punishment.
The suffering of Jesus during his crucifixion is a central theme in Christian theology.
How It's Used
"The crucifixion of Jesus is a central event in Christianity."
"Crucifixion was a common form of execution in the Roman Empire."
A figurative reference to extreme pain, suffering, or persecution, evoking the image of crucifixion.
ˌkruːsɪfɪˈkʃən
Figuratively, intense suffering or torment.
The constant criticism felt like a daily crucifixion of her self-esteem.
💡 Simply: Sometimes we use 'crucifixion' to describe a tough experience. Imagine you're going through something really painful and difficult, like a never-ending bad day. It's like you're being 'crucified' with those problems – it means you're suffering a lot.
👶 For kids: Imagine feeling really, really sad and in pain, like you're having a super-duper hard time.
More Examples
The artist captured the crucifixion of the subject's spirit with bold strokes.
The political scandal became a prolonged crucifixion of the company's reputation.
How It's Used
"Her long hours and demanding job felt like a daily crucifixion."
"The political prisoner endured a slow crucifixion of the spirit through constant interrogation."
Idioms & expressions
The crucifixion of...
The utter destruction or ruin of someone or something.
"The scandal led to the crucifixion of his political career."
From Late Latin *crucifixio* ("crucifixion"), from *crucifixus*, past participle of *crucifigere* ("to crucify"), from *crux* ("cross") + *figere* ("to fasten").
Used extensively throughout history, especially within religious contexts and as a reference to intense suffering. The concept and execution method were common in the Roman Empire.
Memory tip
Think of the cross (crucifix) and the action being done to someone on it.
Word Origin
"To crucify, to fasten to a cross."