Sacrificing
/ˈsækrɪfaɪsɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo willingly give up something, typically of value, for the sake of something else, often a higher purpose or a desired outcome.
/ˈsækrɪfaɪsɪŋ/
To give up something valued for the sake of something else.
He was sacrificing his health by working long hours.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really want that new video game, but you're saving money for a bike. Sacrificing means you're giving up the video game *now* so you can get the bike later. It's like choosing something better even if it takes some time or effort.
👶 For kids: Giving up something you want so you can have something else that's more important.
More Examples
The company had to sacrifice profits to invest in research and development.
She sacrificed her own happiness for the sake of her family.
They were sacrificing their sleep to finish the project.
How It's Used
"She was sacrificing her free time to study for the exam."
"The ancient tribe was sacrificing an animal to appease the gods."
To kill an animal as a religious offering to a deity or supernatural being.
/ˈsækrɪfaɪsɪŋ/
To kill or slaughter an animal as a religious offering.
The ancient tribe was sacrificing a goat to appease the storm god.
💡 Simply: In olden times, some religions would give a special animal, like a sheep, to their gods. Sacrificing meant killing this animal in a special way to show respect or ask for help.
👶 For kids: Killing an animal to give it to a god as a gift.
More Examples
The ritual involved sacrificing a bull.
They were sacrificing a chicken to make their request.
Historical records describe the sacrificing of animals during important ceremonies.
How It's Used
"The priests were sacrificing a lamb as part of the ritual."
"In some cultures, people were sacrificing animals to ensure good harvests."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
sacrifice oneself
To risk or give up one's life or well-being for the benefit of others.
"The firefighter sacrificed himself to save the children."
From Middle English sacrificen, from Old French sacrifier, from Latin sacrificare ('to perform a sacred act'), from sacrificium ('sacred act'), from sacer ('sacred') + facere ('to make').
Historically, the word 'sacrifice' often related to religious practices, including animal offerings to deities, and also to any act involving offering up something valuable.
Memory tip
Think of 'sacrifice' as giving up something you 'face' for a greater 'rice' (reward).