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Immolation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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immolation

[หŒษชmษ™หˆleษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sacred act

Immolation refers to the act of sacrificing or offering something, often by fire. Traditionally, it has been associated with religious rituals where a figure or object is consecrated through its complete destruction by flames.

Synonyms

burning, offering, sacrifice.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient tribe practiced immolation in their ceremonies.
  • The immolation of the offering was a sign of devotion.
  • Many cultures have myths surrounding the immolation of gods.
  • He spoke about the immolation of innocence in the war.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In some religions, practitioners have historically used fire as a way to show devotion or make a significant sacrifice.
  • In Buddhism, self-immolation has occurred as a form of protest, emphasizing the deep commitment to certain beliefs.

Literature and Media

  • The act appears in various literary works as a metaphor for extreme sacrifice, often highlighting a characterโ€™s struggle.
  • In modern film and literature, the concept has been used to portray the lengths individuals may go to for a cause.

Psychology

  • The act of self-immolation can be seen as a form of extreme protest against perceived injustices, reflecting a deep psychological commitment to a cause.
  • Studies indicate that individuals who choose this act often feel marginalized or oppressed, seeking to raise awareness about their struggles.

History

  • Throughout history, self-immolation has been reported during wars and conflicts as a form of rebellion against oppressive regimes.
  • Notable instances include the protests during the Vietnam War, where individuals set themselves ablaze to draw attention to their beliefs.

Origin of 'immolation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'immolatio', meaning 'sacrificial offerings' or 'to sprinkle with meal', relating to ancient rituals.
  • In ancient Rome, 'immolare' meant to sacrifice animals to the gods, showing how deeply rooted the concept is in religious practices.

The term 'immolation' comes from the Latin word 'immolatio', which means 'sacrificing' or 'sacrificing by burning.' The root 'mola' refers to a type of meal used in sacrificial rites, while the prefix 'im-' denotes 'upon' or 'into.' Historically, immolation has been utilized in various religious practices across different cultures, symbolizing the ultimate offering to deities in exchange for favor or blessings. Through time, the word has evolved to encompass not just ritualistic sacrifices but also the broader concept of giving something up entirely, especially in contexts of deep conviction or sacrifice. Its association with fire signifies both purification and transformation, linking it to themes of renewal and rebirth found in many mythologies.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,330 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.