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 1948 novel Christ Recrucified by Nikos Kazantzakis, villagers reenact the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, a ritual that spreads across the cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. —Ahmed Naji, The Dial, 18 Nov. 2025

The landmark document, made known by Pope Paul VI in 1965, denounced antisemitism and combatted the narrative that Jews should be collectively blamed for Jesus’ crucifixion. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025

The cloth contains a faint image of a man with long hair, a beard and crucifixion wounds consistent with Jesus’ death. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025

Expectations are for the films to pick up after Christ’s crucifixion, which closed the previous iteration. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025

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