crucifixion

[kroo-suh-fik-shuhn]

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.

Crucifixion

¹

/ 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

crucifixion

²

/ 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

Crucifixion

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucifixion¹

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

Example Sentences

In the first of three immersive rooms, a dizzying 360-degree video introduces guests to the story of Jesus’ life from his baptism to the crucifixion — including that jumbo last supper.

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The church, in Jerusalem, was originally built in the fourth century on what is purported to be the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

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The earliest European settlers in what became the United States carried with them the conviction that Jews were collectively guilty of Christ’s crucifixion and “utterly corrupted by money.”

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Greyeyes also gets the movie’s two flashiest fight scenes, one involving a crucifixion, another lit only by muzzle fire.

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It’s almost the end of Holy Week, the annual Christian commemoration of the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

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