Sacrifice
/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/noun
The act of offering something valuable to a deity as a form of worship or atonement.
Did you know?Historically, sacrifices were believed to appease gods and ensure divine favor, a practice rooted in deep spiritual and magical significance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sac-
“to make holy or sacred, to consecrate.”
Latin
Latin
sacrificium
“a religious offering, derived from 'sacer' (sacred) + 'facere' (to do or make).”
Old French
Old French
sacrifice
“the act of offering something sacred, particularly in a religious context.”
Middle English
Middle English
sacrifise
“an offering made to God, especially in a ritual setting.”
Modern English
English
sacrifice
“the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else, often in a religious context.”
Explore more surprising origins