crucifixion

noun cru·ci·fix·ion \ ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of crucifixion

1 a capitalized : the crucifying of Christ

b : the act of crucifying

2 : extreme and painful punishment, affliction, or suffering

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Examples of crucifixion in a Sentence

the crucifixion of the rebel Spartacus

Recent Examples of crucifixion from the Web

Across the country, North and South, Christians gathered in their churches to remember the crucifixion of Christ and to bewail their sins, which made such a sacrifice necessary.

— jonathan den hartog, WSJ, "Lincoln’s Biblical Lessons of Reconciliation," 26 Apr. 2018
Meanwhile, Christians will be celebrating Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

— editors, USA TODAY, "Good Friday, Passover and Mega Millions: 5 things to know Friday," 30 Mar. 2018
Palm Sunday -- celebrated on the Sunday before Easter -- is commemorated by Christians as the day Jesus entered Jerusalem in the week of his crucifixion, when palm leaves were strewn in his path.

— theresa waldrop, CNN, "A day after March for Our Lives, Pope urges youth to speak out," 25 Mar. 2018
The Passion Fox broke new ground with The Passion, a live musical that tells the story of Jesus Christ’s days before the crucifixion — except, with a twist, it was set in modern-day New Orleans.

— diana pearl, PEOPLE.com, "From Dirty Dancing to Jesus Christ Superstar: Ranking How the Internet Felt About All the TV Musical Adaptations," 2 Apr. 2018
Friday's reenactment of Christ's crucifixion was the 32nd for Ruben Enaje, a 57-year-old sign painter who began his yearly rite after surviving a fall from a building.

— aaron favila, chicagotribune.com, "Filipino devotees being nailed to crosses on Good Friday becomes tourist attraction," 30 Mar. 2018
The Good Friday crucifixion observance is part of a weeklong celebration of the final week Jesus spent on earth, beginning with Palm Sunday followed by Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper of Christ.

— The Aegis, "Way of the Cross to highlight Good Friday in HdG," 30 Mar. 2018
On Good Friday, Christians will mark Jesus' death by crucifixion.

— tim funk, charlotteobserver, "A holy weekend for 2 faiths begins with Christian commemoration of Jesus' Last Supper | Charlotte Observer," 29 Mar. 2018
Christians from 15 different Plainfield-area churches gathered at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church on March 30 to sing, pray, and reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday at an ecumenical service.

— janice steinhagen, Courant Community, "Plainfield Faithful Hold Ecumenical Good Friday Service," 10 Apr. 2018

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.

First Known Use of crucifixion

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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CRUCIFIXION Defined for English Language Learners

crucifixion

noun

Definition of crucifixion for English Language Learners

: an act of killing someone by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross : an act of crucifying someone
the Crucifixion : the killing of Jesus Christ on a cross

CRUCIFIXION Defined for Kids

crucifixion

noun cru·ci·fix·ion \ ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən \

Definition of crucifixion for Students

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

Learn More about crucifixion

See words that rhyme with crucifixion Spanish Central: Translation of crucifixion Nglish: Translation of crucifixion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crucifixion for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crucifixion

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