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 synonyms for sacrifice
Finding the right synonym for sacrifice helps writers avoid repetition and add precision 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 1 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
Each synonym carries a slightly different shade of meaning. Give is the most direct replacement in most situations.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for sacrifice, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.