crucifixion
/ˌkɹuːsɪˈfɪkʃən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.09 in modern English
25
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
4
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An execution by being nailed or tied to an upright cross and left to hang there until dead.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
An execution by being nailed or tied to an upright cross and left to hang there until dead.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The military punishment of being tied to a fixed object, often with the limbs in a stretched position.
Colloquial; Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "Rome used crucifixions as a deterrent, and standard for the 'vilest' crimes, such as slave rebellion."
- "Centurion: Stabbed? Takes a second. Crucifixion lasts hours! It's a slow, horrible death! / Matthias: Well, at least it gets you out in the open air."
- "The suspects' hostile interrogation amounted to a public crucifixion."
Etymology
From Middle English crucifixioun, from Late Latin noun of process crucifīxiō, from perfect passive participle crucifīxus (“fixed to a cross”), from crux (“cross”) + fīgō.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: crucifixioun, -