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• crucifixion
  crucifixion

  noun

  the act of crucifying.
• Crucifixion
  Crucifixion

  noun

  the crucifying of Christ at Calvary, regarded by Christians as the culminating redemptive act of his ministry

crucifixion

American  

[kroo-suh-fik-shuhn] / ˌkru səˈfɪk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of crucifying.

2. the state of being crucified.

3. (initial capital letter) the death of Jesus upon the Cross.

4. a picture or other representation of this.

5. severe and unjust punishment or suffering; persecution.

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crucifixion ¹ British  

/ ˌkruːsɪˈfɪkʃən /

noun

1. a method of putting to death by nailing or binding to a cross, normally by the hands and feet, which was widespread in the ancient world

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Crucifixion ² British  

/ ˌkruːsɪˈfɪkʃən /

noun

1. the crucifying of Christ at Calvary, regarded by Christians as the culminating redemptive act of his ministry

2. a picture or representation of this

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Crucifixion Cultural  

1. The death of Jesus on the cross. After he had been betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested, Jesus was condemned by his fellow Jews (see also Jews) as a false Messiah and turned over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate to be crucified. Pilate found no reason to condemn Jesus; he tried to convince the people that it was absurd to regard Jesus as “King of the Jews” and offered to release him. But when the people insisted that Jesus be put to death, Pilate washed his hands to indicate that Jesus' fate was no longer his responsibility and turned Jesus over to be crucified. Roman soldiers then placed a crown of thorns on the head of Jesus and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” He was made to carry a wooden cross up the hill of Calvary near Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem), where he was nailed to the cross and was placed between two thieves, who were also crucified. Shortly before his death, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” After his death, the followers of Jesus placed his body in a tomb.

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Jesus had told his disciples that he would sacrifice his life so that believers' sins might be forgiven. Christians (see also Christian) believe that his death on the cross and his Resurrection three days later make salvation (see also salvation) possible.

To “wash one's hands of it” means to refuse to take responsibility for an action or event.

Having a “cross to bear” means any painful responsibility that is forced upon one.

Etymology

Origin of crucifixion

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin crucifīxiōn- (stem of crucīfixiō ). See crucifix, -ion

Explanation

Crucifixion was a method of execution that involved leaving a person tied or nailed to a beam until they died. The ancient Romans used crucifixion as a public way to punish enemies. In ancient Rome, crucifixion was a terrible and gruesome way to publicly punish treason, piracy, and crimes committed by enslaved people against their enslavers. The word comes from Latin roots crux, meaning "cross," and figere, meaning "fasten." Crucifixion, essentially fastening a person to a large cross, is most commonly associated with Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified after being convicted of the crime of blasphemy.

Example Sentences

It also invites comparison with Giotto’s celebrated fresco of the crucifixion in the transept of the lower church.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The pope will personally carry the cross through all 14 stations retracing Christ's journey, from his condemnation to his crucifixion and to his burial, according to Vatican sources.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Good Friday comes ahead of Easter celebrations and is one of five Christian celebrations that commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

"Because Friday was the day of the crucifixion, Fridays were always regarded as a day of penance and abstinence," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024

Ben was not taking his symbolic crucifixion with any excess humor.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy