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Definition of crucifixion

crucifixion

/ˌkruː.səˈfɪk.ʃən/
cru · ci · fix · ion
Plural:crucifixions
•
Adjective:crucifixional
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crucifixion Lexical Profile

crucifixion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An ancient method of capital punishment in which a person is nailed or bound to a large wooden cross and left to hang until dead.

Example

"Historians have documented the widespread use of crucifixion as a form of execution in the ancient Roman Empire."

2

Severe, relentless criticism, public humiliation, or harsh treatment.

Example

"The coach faced a public crucifixion in the sports media after the team's unexpected loss in the finals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often misspelled as "crucifiction" due to confusion with the word "fiction," though the correct spelling retains the "x" from the Latin root meaning "to fasten."

• Rhymes for crucifixion

• Nearby Words

crucible
cruciferous
crucifix
crucifixion
cruciform
crucify
crud

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French crucifixion, from Late Latin crucifixionem, a noun of action from the past participle stem of crucifigere, meaning "to fasten to a cross" (from crux "cross" and figere "to fasten").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crucifixion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crucifixion
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