Altar

/ˈɔːltər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A raised structure on which religious rites are performed or sacrifices are offered.

The priest stood by the altar to begin the holy ceremony.

In a broader context, a place of worship or a symbolic site for devotion or sacrifice.

She lit a candle at the altar to honor her late grandmother.

A table or flat surface used in various rituals or ceremonies.

The altar was adorned with flowers and candles for the wedding.

A place of sacrifice, often used metaphorically to indicate giving up something important.

He placed his ambitions on the altar of his family's needs.

Middle English, from Latin 'altare' meaning 'high place'

altar call

A call during a church service for people to come forward to pray or commit to faith.

altar boy

A young male assistant to a priest during a service.

altar piece

A work of art, usually a painting or sculpture, placed behind the altar.

sacrifice

An offering made to a deity.

worship

The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.

ceremony

A formal religious or public occasion.

To sacrifice something important in pursuit of a goal.

He had to altar his dreams for his family.

To show commitment or devotion, especially in a dramatic or exaggerated way.

She was all about altar-ing her plans for the holidays.