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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Discover More

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

Example Sentences

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

This altarpiece marks the Italian artist coming into his own at the end of the Renaissance, its vision of Christ after his crucifixion rendered in an expressive, enigmatic style.

From The Wall Street Journal

A 1772 meditation about the crucifixion by a man who struggled with depression all his life, the hymn dwells on Christ’s gory death and evokes the metaphor of sinners bathing in blood.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Each section—crucifixion, burial and resurrection—began with plainchant and continued with more elaborate settings of those and other sacred texts on the subjects.

From The Wall Street Journal