Sacrificial

/ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to or involving the act of offering something, especially a life, in the context of a rite or religious ceremony.

The ancient rituals included sacrificial offerings to appease the gods.

Made or done for the sake of sacrifice; intended to bring about a benefit for others at a cost to oneself.

She made a sacrificial decision to work overtime so her team could meet their deadline.

Being a substitute or proxy, especially in a way that involves loss or harm to oneself.

In the experiment, the researchers used a sacrificial layer that would be removed after the procedure.

From Latin 'sacrificialis', derived from 'sacrificium', meaning 'sacrifice'.

sacrificial lamb

A person or thing that is sacrificed for the benefit of others.

sacrifice

To give up something valued for the sake of something else.

martyr

A person who sacrifices their life or something of great value for a principle or cause.

atonement

Reparation for a wrong or injury.