crucifixion

noun

cru·​ci·​fix·​ion ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən How to pronounce crucifixion (audio)
1
a
capitalized : the crucifying of Christ
b
: the act of crucifying
2
: extreme and painful punishment, affliction, or suffering

Examples of crucifixion in a Sentence

the crucifixion of the rebel Spartacus
Recent Examples on the Web The Last Supper refers to the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples prior to his trial and crucifixion, around the time of the Hebrew Passover. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 21 Feb. 2024 Through Clarence, Samuel re-creates Jesus’ carrying of the cross and crucifixion with brutal effectiveness. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2024 Firefighters and emergency responders formed a human chain to protect the most precious artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns alleged to have been worn by Jesus during his crucifixion, Time reported. Peter Aitken, Fox News, 15 Dec. 2023 Considered the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus died for the sins of others by crucifixion and was later laid to rest at a nearby tomb. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 21 Feb. 2024 This ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus' Last Supper with his Apostles) and Good Friday, on which Jesus' crucifixion is observed. Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 11 Feb. 2024 Lent is the 46-day liturgical season that precedes the holiday of Easter, which commemorates the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024 In a separate instance, Gentile allegedly threatened one of his workers with crucifixion. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2024 Previously, evidence of Roman crucifixion had only been found in Israel, as Corinne Duhig, an osteologist at Cambridge University, tells BBC News. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crucifixion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifixion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near crucifixion

Cite this Entry

“Crucifixion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifixion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crucifixion

noun
cru·​ci·​fix·​ion ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən How to pronounce crucifixion (audio)
1
capitalized : the crucifying of Jesus
2
: an act of crucifying

More from Merriam-Webster on crucifixion

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