Sacrifice
/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of giving up something valued to gain something more important or to fulfill a duty.
/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
The team made a sacrifice, giving up their best player to get a better draft pick.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really, really want to go to a concert, but you have to study for a big test. Making the choice to skip the concert and study is a sacrifice – you're giving up something fun for something important!
👶 For kids: Giving up something you like to get something better or help someone.
More Examples
Her parents made many sacrifices to provide for her education.
The firefighter's sacrifice saved many lives.
How It's Used
"The ancient tribes offered animal sacrifices to appease their gods."
"She made a great sacrifice by moving away from her family for the sake of her career."
To give up something that you value, especially in order to get something else that is more important; to kill an animal as a religious offering.
/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/
To give up something valued for the sake of something else.
She sacrificed her career to raise her children.
💡 Simply: Imagine you love watching TV, but you need to study for an exam. To study, you'll have to sacrifice your TV time. You're giving it up for something else!
👶 For kids: To give up something you like for something more important or to help someone.
More Examples
They were forced to sacrifice some resources in order to finish the project on time.
He sacrificed his own safety to save the others.
How It's Used
"The company sacrificed profits to maintain its market share during the economic downturn."
"He sacrificed his personal time to help his family."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
make a sacrifice
To give up something you value for the sake of something more important.
"She made a great sacrifice by moving away from her family to pursue her dream job."
From Middle English sacrifyce, from Old French sacrifice, from Latin sacrificium (“a religious offering”), from sacer (“sacred”) + facere (“to make”).
Historically, 'sacrifice' often referred to religious rituals, particularly animal offerings. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader acts of self-denial or giving up something important for a greater cause.
Memory tip
Think of giving up your favorite toy to save a friend.