WordGarden.iosacrificial
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˌækrɪfˈɪʃəl/
US
- /ˌsækrəˈfɪʃəl/
Meanings
Adjective
involving giving something up or taking a loss for someone else or for a larger goal
relating to or intended for a religious offering or ritual killing
designed to be used up, worn away, or destroyed in order to protect another part
Beyond the definition
The word "sacrificial" often brings to mind ancient rituals, but it is not limited to priests and altars. In modern English, it can describe something given up, lost, or used at a serious cost for a greater purpose. For example, a chess player may make a sacrificial move by giving up a piece to gain an advantage. The word also keeps its older religious sense, where an animal or object is offered to a god. At heart, it suggests that something valuable is surrendered because something else is seen as more important.
"Sacrificial" describes an action, object, or role that involves loss, surrender, or serious cost, usually for a higher purpose, belief, or benefit. Its roots lie in religion, where something is formally offered to a god, but the word is also widely used in broader and more practical ways.
In its oldest sense, the word refers to offerings in religious ceremonies. A sacrificial animal, for example, is one meant to be offered. In modern use, it often describes something that is intentionally given up so that another goal can be achieved. In chess, a sacrificial move means giving away a piece on purpose to improve your position. In engineering, a sacrificial layer or part may be designed to wear out first so that a more important part stays safe.
The central idea is that something is lost, damaged, or surrendered for the sake of something else. Sometimes that loss is chosen, as in a person making sacrificial decisions for their family or community. Sometimes it is built into the design of an object, as when a sacrificial part takes the damage so another part does not.
Whether the context is ancient religion, daily life, chess, or engineering, "sacrificial" always points to the same basic story: something of value is given up, put at risk, or meant to be lost so that another purpose can be served.
Examples
- 1
Religious ritual
In the old stories, a sacrificial animal was led to the temple at dawn.
- 2
Selfless love
She spoke about the sacrificial love her parents had shown throughout their marriage.
- 3
Scandal blame
After the scandal, the junior official became the sacrificial lamb.
- Phrasesacrificial lamb
someone who is blamed or punished so others can be protected
- 4
Sports team
In a rebuilding year, some senior players accept a sacrificial role so younger teammates can grow.
See also
Similar
- self-sacrificing
- expendable
Shades of meaning
- altruistic
- martyr-like
- vicarious
Contrast
- self-serving
- protected
Used with (collocations)
- sacrificial lamb
- sacrificial offering
- sacrificial victim
- sacrificial act
Word family
- sacrifice
- sacrificially
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sacrificialadjective