crucifixion

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

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Examples: crucifixion in a Sentence

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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See crucifixion defined for kids

Examples of crucifixion in a Sentence

the crucifixion of the rebel Spartacus

Recent Examples of crucifixion from the Web

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
True, but only in the same way that dying from natural causes is preferable to crucifixion.

— norman vanamee, Town & Country, "These Are the Most Memorable Bad Reviews," 31 Oct. 2016
He is portrayed in the artwork as exalted in heaven - but also with nail prints in his hands - to remember the suffering of the crucifixion.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "What is Passover? Here are some facts about the biblical holiday," 30 Mar. 2018
Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week, which recounts Jesus' entrance in Jerusalem, his crucifixion and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

— Fox News, "Palm Sunday procession marks start of Holy Week," 25 Mar. 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