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Crucifixion: meaning, definitions and examples

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crucifixion

 

[ˌkruː.sɪˈfɪk.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

Christianity

The act of executing a person by nailing or binding them to a cross, a form of capital punishment used by the Romans in ancient times.

Synonyms

cruciation, crucifying, execution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crucifixion

Used to describe the specific method of execution by which someone is nailed or bound to a cross. Often associated with historical or religious contexts.

  • The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christian history.
  • Ancient Rome used crucifixion as a form of capital punishment.
execution

Refers broadly to the act of carrying out a death sentence, not limited to any specific method. Used in legal, historical, or crime-related contexts.

  • The execution of the prisoner was scheduled for midnight.
  • Historical records show numerous executions during the reign.
crucifying

Generally used to describe the act of putting someone to death by nailing or binding them to a cross. Can also mean subjecting someone to severe criticism or extreme discomfort.

  • The soldiers were crucifying the rebels as a public warning.
  • The critics were crucifying the director for his latest film.
cruciation

Rarely used term, typically implying intense suffering or torment, often in a metaphorical sense.

  • The long hours of waiting in the hospital were a form of cruciation for him.
  • She described the ordeal as a mental cruciation.

Examples of usage

  • They sentenced him to death by crucifixion.
  • Crucifixion was a common form of punishment in the Roman Empire.
  • The crucifixion of Jesus is a central event in Christian theology.
Context #2 | Noun

Art

A representation of Jesus Christ hanging on the cross, often used as a symbol of the Christian faith.

Synonyms

Christ on the cross, cross, crucifix.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crucifixion

Refer to the description given earlier. This term is employed when discussing the act or event of being executed on a cross.

  • The movie depicted the crucifixion with intense realism.
  • Scholars debate the historical accuracy of accounts of the crucifixion.
crucifix

Typically used to refer to a cross that includes a representation of Jesus' body. It is found in religious art and objects, especially within Catholic tradition. This term is important in discussions about Christian symbols and artifacts.

  • A large crucifix hangs in the altar of the church.
  • He gave her a crucifix as a confirmation gift.
cross

This is a versatile term that can refer to the physical object used for crucifixion, a symbol of Christianity, or more abstractly in expressions and idioms. It is widely used in both secular and religious contexts.

  • She wears a small silver cross around her neck.
  • The cross has become a universal symbol of hope and redemption.
Christ on the cross

Used primarily in religious settings to directly refer to the image or representation of Jesus Christ being crucified. It is common in discussions about Christian art, iconography, and devotion.

  • The painting depicts Christ on the cross with vivid detail.
  • During the sermon, the priest spoke about the significance of Christ on the cross for our salvation.

Examples of usage

  • The painting depicted the crucifixion of Jesus.
  • She wore a necklace with a small crucifixion charm.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice originated in ancient Persia and was later adopted by the Romans as a method of execution for criminals.
  • It was mainly used as a public spectacle to deter others from committing crimes.
  • More than 500 known individuals were reportedly crucified during the time of the Roman Empire.

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption.
  • Many Christian denominations commemorate this event during Good Friday, reflecting on its importance to their faith.
  • The cross, as a symbol of crucifixion, is widely recognized and used in religious iconography.

Cultural References

  • The theme of crucifixion has appeared in various forms of art, from paintings like 'The Last Supper' to modern films depicting the life of Christ.
  • Literature often uses crucifixion symbolically to represent suffering or ultimate sacrifice, seen in various literary works.
  • Musicals and plays, such as 'Jesus Christ Superstar', have explored this theme in contemporary storytelling.

Psychological Perspectives

  • In a psychological context, the crucifixion is analyzed as a symbol of suffering, illustrating human endurance and resilience.
  • The concept of martyrdom related to crucifixion often invokes discussions about sacrifice and personal beliefs.
  • Trauma theorists explore the impacts of public punishments, like crucifixion, on societal behaviors and fears.

Modern Relevance

  • The image of the crucifixion continues to evoke strong emotional responses in contemporary discussions about justice and morality.
  • Organizations advocating against capital punishment often refer to historical methods like crucifixion to highlight the inhumanity of such practices.
  • Crucifixion remains a powerful metaphor in social justice movements, symbolizing the fight against oppression.

Translations

Translations of the word "crucifixion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crucificação

🇮🇳 क्रूस पर चढ़ाना

🇩🇪 Kreuzigung

🇮🇩 penyaliban

🇺🇦 розп'яття

🇵🇱 ukrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 磔

🇫🇷 crucifixion

🇪🇸 crucifixión

🇹🇷 çarmıha gerilme

🇰🇷 십자가형

🇸🇦 صلب

🇨🇿 ukřižování

🇸🇰 ukrižovanie

🇨🇳 钉十字架

🇸🇮 križanje

🇮🇸 krossfesting

🇰🇿 айқышқа шегелеу

🇬🇪 ჯვარცმა

🇦🇿 çarmıxa çəkilmə

🇲🇽 crucifixión

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,855, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.