Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Immolated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
Add to dictionary

immolated

[หˆษชmษ™หŒleษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sacrifice, kill

To immolate means to kill or offer as a sacrifice, usually by fire. This term is often used in a figurative sense to describe the act of sacrificing something valuable or important. It can also refer to the act of burning something as a form of punishment. In literature and religious contexts, immolation is sometimes depicted as a form of devotion or extreme penitence.

Synonyms

burn, consume, offering, sacrifice.

Examples of usage

  • The villagers immolated the animal as part of their ritual.
  • Several historical figures have been immortalized in literature for the way they immolated themselves for their cause.
  • The protester chose to immolate himself to draw attention to the injustice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • Many cultures have historically practiced burning offerings in religious ceremonies, highlighting the perceived power of fire as a transformative force.
  • In Hindu rituals, the practice of 'homa' involves offerings burned in a sacred fire, believed to purify and connect worshippers to the divine.

Literature

  • In various literary works, immolation symbolizes ultimate sacrifice, reflecting themes of devotion, passion, or rebellion.
  • Famous books often describe characters choosing immolation as a dramatic act, conveying deep emotional turmoil or integrity.

Pop Culture

  • The term appeared in films and literature as a metaphor for sacrifice, often used to make dramatic statements about personal values or ideologies.
  • Certain music genres reference immolation to depict angst and the struggle against societal expectations or norms.

Psychology

  • The concept of immolation can symbolize the extreme lengths individuals may go to in order to express beliefs or achieve personal liberation.
  • In psychological discussions, acts of self-immolation reflect profound desperation or commitment, illustrating the human capacity for sacrifice.

Origin of 'immolated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the Latin 'immolatus', meaning 'to sacrifice' or 'to offer', originally relating to the act of offerings made to gods.
  • In ancient rituals, the act of immolating often involved burning animals or grains at altars as a sign of devotion or for blessings.

The word 'immolate' comes from the Latin term 'immolare,' which means 'to sprinkle with meal' or 'to sacrifice.' The prefix 'im-' implies 'upon' while 'molare' is derived from 'mola,' meaning 'meal' or 'grist.' Initially, the term referred broadly to the act of making a sacrifice and was often associated with agricultural or ritual practices involving food offerings. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize the act of burning, particularly in regard to sacrificial rites where offerings were consumed by fire. The usage of 'immolate' in English can be traced back to the late 16th century, largely through translations of religious texts and classical literature. As a result, the term has retained its strong connotation of ritual sacrifice and the dramatic, often tragic, implications of self-immolation, especially in political or social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,518 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.