crucifixion

cru·ci·fix·ion | \ ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən

How to pronounce crucifixion (audio)

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Definition of crucifixion

1a capitalized : the crucifying of Christ

b : the act of crucifying

2 : extreme and painful punishment, affliction, or suffering

Examples of crucifixion in a Sentence

the crucifixion of the rebel Spartacus

Recent Examples on the Web The response to the spectacle, however, was far removed from the mingled revulsion and disdain that had typified that of the ancients to crucifixion. — Tom Holland, Time, "The Crucifixion Took on New Religious Meaning in the Centuries After the Death of Jesus. Here's What Changed," 29 Oct. 2019 Not long after Jesus’ crucifixion, three prominent leaders of the movement also, reportedly, were killed: James, his own brother, stoned by a mob; his leading disciple, Peter, crucified; the Apostle Paul, whipped and beheaded. — Elaine Pagels, New York Times, "Faith and Reasons: Two Authors Explore the Persistence of Religious Feeling," 11 Nov. 2019 The work as a whole depicts the passion of Christ as well as his crucifixion. — Melissa Locker, Time, "Low-Key Woman Discovers Renaissance Masterpiece Randomly Hanging Above the Hotplate in Her Kitchen," 24 Sep. 2019 According to Christian tradition, Jesus appeared to two of his apostles on the road to Emmaus after his crucifixion and resurrection. — Fox News, "The Biblical town of Emmaus, which is linked to Jesus’ resurrection and the Ark of the Covenant, may have been found," 10 Sep. 2019 The Crown of Thorns is purported to be the one placed on the head of Jesus at his crucifixion. — Washington Post, "Crown relic saved from Notre Dame presented again to public," 6 Sep. 2019 The Dali is a surreal play on a traditional crucifixion scene called Dying Christ. — Phil Boucher, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Charles Hit by One of the Most Incredible Art Hoaxes in Royal History," 5 Nov. 2019 These do not emerge as parody, though there are moments of visual overstatement as in the lingering, overhead shot of the exhausted Newman in a crucifixion pose. — John Mahoney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Cool Hand Luke': THR's 1967 Review," 31 Oct. 2019 The work dates all the way back to 1280 and depicts Christ's crucifixion. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "A Painting Found in an Elderly Woman's Kitchen Was Just Auctioned Off for $26 Million," 28 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crucifixion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near crucifixion

crucifixion thorn

cruciform ligament

Statistics for crucifixion

Last Updated

27 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Crucifixion.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifixion. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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More Definitions for crucifixion

crucifixion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of crucifixion

: an act of killing someone by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross : an act of crucifying someone

: the killing of Jesus Christ on a cross

See the full definition for crucifixion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

crucifixion

cru·ci·fix·ion | \ ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən

\

Kids Definition of crucifixion

1 : the act of killing someone by nailing his or her feet and hands to a cross

2 capitalized : the crucifying of Jesus Christ on a cross

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WORD OF THE DAY

dauntless

not to be intimidated or subdued

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