crucifixion

noun

cru·​ci·​fix·​ion ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən 

1

a

Crucifixion : 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

In the Christian religion, the Last Supper — the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion — was a Passover feast. —Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026

Catholics often have group meditations on the Stations of the Cross, marking different events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. —ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

This is when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. —Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Feb. 2026

For the weeks leading up to Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, followers of the Catholic Lenten rules fast, eating only one full meal, plus two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal, and cutting out meat on Fridays. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for crucifixion

• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction
• dereliction
• interdiction
• jurisdiction
• malediction
• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction

Kids Definition

crucifixion

noun

cru·​ci·​fix·​ion ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən 

1

capitalized : the crucifying of Jesus

2

: an act of crucifying