Immolate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
immolate
[หษชmษหleษชt ]
Definition
sacrifice, offer
To immolate means to kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning. This word is often used in a religious or ritualistic context where an individual, animal, or object is sacrificed to a deity or for a specific purpose. The term carries a note of extreme devotion or desperation, as immolation is not a common means of sacrifice in modern practices. It can also refer to the act of destroying something completely, often symbolically.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ancient ritual involved the immolation of a goat to please the gods.
- He threatened to immolate himself in protest against the injustice.
- The offer was considered an immolation of all their resources.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Rituals
- In some cultures, self-immolation has been seen as a form of protest or an extreme statement of beliefs.
- Certain ancient religions, like those in Mesoamerica, practiced sacrifices (inferno offerings) to appease deities.
Literature
- Immolate is sometimes used in poetry and fiction to convey themes of sacrifice and transformation.
- In classical literature, the act of immolation often symbolizes ultimate devotion or despair.
Psychology
- The act can represent a powerful psychological state, where individuals feel so strongly about a cause that they are willing to sacrifice themselves.
- Understanding the reasons behind this extreme action can offer insights into human motivations and social influences.
Modern Context
- In contemporary discussions, the term can come up in conversations about radical protests, particularly involving human rights issues.
- Self-immolation as a protest has gained attention in the media, with various cases highlighting its impact on public consciousness.
Origin of 'immolate'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'immolare', meaning 'to sacrifice' or 'to sprinkle with meal,' linking it to ancient rituals.
- In earlier contexts, it referred specifically to religious sacrifices involving fire.
The word 'immolate' comes from the Latin 'immolare', which means 'to sprinkle with meal' or 'to sacrifice', combining 'in-' (in) and 'mola' (meal or flour used in sacrifices). In ancient Roman religious practices, sacrifices often involved meal offerings, and the term has evolved to imply any form of sacrifice or offering, particularly through the act of burning. The first known use of the word in English dates back to the late 15th century. Over time, immolation became associated with self-sacrifice in more extreme forms, especially noted in historical and religious contexts where individuals would sacrifice themselves for a cause or belief. The dramatic and often tragic nature of immolation has made it a potent symbol in literature and discussions about sacrifice, devotion, and protest.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,501, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.