Immolating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
immolating
[หษชmษหleษชtษชล ]
Definition
sacrificial act
To immolate means to sacrifice something or someone, often by burning. In a religious or ceremonial context, it can refer to the act of offering a living creature or an object to a deity, often as a form of worship or ritual. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe giving up one's own well-being or happiness for the sake of another. Immolation has historical and cultural significance in various traditions and is often associated with dramatic, intense acts of devotion or protest.
Synonyms
burn, martyrdom, offering, sacrifice.
Examples of usage
- The monk was immolating himself to protest the war.
- In ancient rituals, animals were often immolated to appease the gods.
- The act of immolating his own ambitions for his children's futures was commendable.
- In literature, characters might choose immolation as a final act of defiance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient Rome, immolation was a common practice during religious rituals to appease the gods.
- Historical texts reveal that human sacrifices via immolation were sometimes conducted to avert disasters.
Religion
- In some cultures, the act of immolating symbolizes complete devotion to a cause or faith.
- Various religious texts refer to the act as a means of purifying oneself or demonstrating ultimate sacrifice.
Literature
- In literature, characters may undergo symbolic immolation to signify transformation or sacrifice.
- Dante's 'Inferno' describes scenes of immolation as punishment for sins, exploring themes of justice and redemption.
Pop Culture
- The term has appeared in movies and books to represent extreme actions taken by characters, often for a noble cause.
- In modern discussions, 'immolation' can symbolize drastic life changes or self-sacrifice in various narratives.
Origin of 'immolating'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'immolatus', meaning 'sacrificed' or 'consecrated by a sacrifice'.
- The root 'mola' refers to a type of grain used in ancient sacrifices, showing the word's deep religious connections.
The term "immolate" comes from the Latin word 'immolare,' which means 'to sprinkle with meal' or 'to sacrifice.' In ancient Roman rituals, the act of offering an animal, typically by fire, was sometimes accompanied by the sprinkling of meal as part of the sacrifice. The root 'mola' refers to a millstone used to grind grain, reflecting the agricultural context of offerings made to deities. Over time, 'immolate' has evolved to encompass a more general meaning of sacrificing, especially by fire. The word gained prominence in English usage during the 19th century, particularly in contexts related to religious and philosophical discussions on sacrifice. Its connotation has expanded beyond physical acts to encompass metaphorical sacrifices one makes in personal and societal realms.