All Definitions for Sacrifice
Below are all the dictionary definitions of sacrifice:
1The destruction or surrender of anything for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable
2Also, the thing destroyed or surrendered for this purpose.
3Originally, the killing (and often burning) of a human being or an animal as an offering to a deity
4Later, also the offering of an object to a deity.
5A human being or an animal, or a physical object or immaterial thing (see etymology 1, sense 1.3), offered to a deity.
6(figurative) The offering of devotion, penitence, prayer, thanksgiving, etc., to a deity.
7(Christianity, specifically) Jesus Christ's voluntary offering of himself to God the Father to be crucified as atonement for the sins of humankind.
8(Christianity, specifically) (by extension) The rite of Holy Communion or the Mass, regarded as (Protestantism) an offering of thanksgiving to God for Christ's crucifixion, or (Roman Catholicism) a perpetual re-presentation of Christ's sacrificial offering.
9(religion) To offer (a human being or an animal, or an object) to a deity.
10(by extension, figurative) To destroy or surrender (something) for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable.
11(by extension, figurative) To destroy or kill (a human being or an animal)
12Specifically (sciences), to kill (an animal) for a scientific experiment or test.
13(by extension, figurative) (baseball) Of a batter: to advance (one or more runners on base) by batting the ball so it can be fielded, placing the batter out but with insufficient time to put the runner(s) out.
14(by extension, figurative) (business, slang, dated) To sell (something) at less than its value, thus incurring a monetary loss.
15(chess) An act of intentionally allowing one's piece to be captured by the opponent in order to improve one's position in the game.
16(by extension, figurative) (chess) To intentionally allow (a piece) to be captured by the opponent in order to improve one's position in the game.
17(religion) To offer a human being or an animal, or an object, to a deity.
18(by extension, figurative) (baseball) Of a batter: to bat the ball so that it can be fielded, placing the batter out but allowing one or more runners on base to advance.
19(by extension, figurative) (bridge) To make a bid of a contract which is unlikely to be fulfilled, in the hope that that the player will incur fewer penalty points than the points likely to be gained by opponents in making their contract.
20(bridge) In full sacrifice bid: a bid of a contract which is unlikely to be fulfilled, that a player makes in the hope that they will incur fewer penalty points than the points likely to be gained by opponents in making their contract.
21(business, slang, dated) A monetary loss incurred by selling something at less than its value
22Also, the thing thus sold.
23(by extension, figurative) (Christianity) To celebrate Holy Communion or Mass.
24(baseball) Ellipsis of sacrifice bunt or sacrifice hit (“a play in which the batter intentionally hits the ball softly with a hands-spread batting stance at the cost of an out to advance one or more runners”).
About rhymes for sacrifice
Finding the right rhyme for sacrifice helps poets and songwriters add rhythm, musicality, and memorability to their work. Defined as "The destruction or surrender of anything for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable", sacrifice has 19 words that share its ending sound pattern.
Each rhyme carries a slightly different meaning and connotation. Concise is the most common rhyme in everyday usage. Nice works well in formal or poetic contexts. Vice is often preferred when the context calls for a specific nuance or imagery.
When choosing a rhyme, consider the meaning, formality level, and intended emotional impact. Some rhymes work better in casual songs while others shine in formal poetry. The list above provides the most common and useful rhymes for sacrifice, but always read your line aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally and supports your intended message.