crucifixion

noun

cru·​ci·​fix·​ion ˌkrü-sə-ˈfik-shən 

1

a

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

The story is said to revolve around the search for the Spear of Destiny, which stabbed Jesus Christ on the cross during his crucifixion, and get their hands on it before the Nazis. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025

The heinous practice of crucifixion sent a message to the onlookers outside the gates of the city that the Roman Empire was not to be challenged. —Chloe Breyer, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

A day of joy Easter is the most joyful moment on the Christian liturgical calendar, when the faithful celebrate the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. —Nicole Winfield and Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025

With a handful of followers, the two board a boat fourteen years after Jesus’ crucifixion and land on the southern coast of France. —Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, 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