immolation

American  

[im-uh-ley-shuhn] / ˌɪm əˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of immolating.

2. the state of being immolated.

3. a sacrifice.

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Etymology

Origin of immolation

1525–35; < Latin immolātiōn- (stem of immolātiō ) offering, sacrifice. See immolate, -ion

Explanation

Immolation is what happens when something is killed or offered as a sacrifice. In some ancient societies immolation of animals was a common ritual used to gain favor with the gods. Immolation comes from the Latin word immolat-, meaning “sprinkled with sacrificial meal.” Immolation always involves a sacrifice or offering of some sort. The word often invokes burning, a common method of sacrifice. You might read about the immolation of a group who set themselves on fire to protest political oppression. You can also use it figuratively to describe anything that’s sacrificed, like the immolation of your Hollywood dreams for the good of the family farm.

Example Sentences

UnitedHealth Group shares fell more than 50% over the course of a single month in spring 2025, a spectacular immolation for a healthcare behemoth that has operations touching every inch of the sector.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

They lived in the state capital, Jaipur, just two hours from the village, but learnt of their son-in-law’s death and their daughter’s immolation from the next day’s newspaper.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

If West felt chastened by his recent blowback, it didn’t show on the album’s title track, where he alluded to his recent career immolation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2024

For many, torching the temple has become the centerpiece of the celebration - a more intimate, spiritual event than the rave party-like immolation of the figure.

From Washington Times • Sep. 7, 2023

Two tears slid down her fallen cheeks, in and out of the myriad coruscations of immolation and abnegation and time.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner