crucifixion

noun

cru·ci·fix·ion | \ ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən

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

Some of those same dynamics can be seen in the crucifixion of Jesus, says David Tombs, a theologian and professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand. — John Blake, CNN, "How Easter became a #MeToo moment," 30 Mar. 2018 The book makes connections between Jesus’ crucifixion and the lynching of black people in the United States. — Washington Post, "James Cone, founder of black liberation theology, dies at 79," 30 Apr. 2018 And in addition to being fed the blood of victims, Spike was fed some of the show’s best lines, like an early one that involved the crucifixion, Woodstock and an acid trip. — Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, "‘Buffy’ vampire James Marsters comes out in the daylight for Comicpalooza," 23 May 2018 Both depict the crucifixion and their respective plots hinge upon the events of Holy Week (the days leading up to Easter Sunday). — refinery29.com, "Has Catholicism Earned This "Fashion" Moment?," 3 May 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. — Time, "Catholic Devotees Were Nailed to Crosses for Good Friday in the Philippines," 30 Mar. 2018 And the state put Jesus to death by crucifixion, a form of execution reserved for those who dared to challenge imperial power. — Jonathan L. Walton, Time, "Why Authoritarians Love to Quote This Bible Passage," 22 June 2018 Tiny children patter through the destruction, many having bared witness to beheadings and crucifixions. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Inside Raqqa: From ISIS 'caliphate' to crumpled city of landmines, and loss," 4 June 2018 For Cone, the lynching tree is a visual and historic representation of white racist tyranny. Juxtaposed with the cross of Jesus Christ, lynching becomes a kind of crucifixion for black people. — Jemar Tisby, Houston Chronicle, "Commentary: How crucifixion of Jesus foreshadowed lynching," 6 May 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.