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Definition of sacrificial

sacrificial

/ˌsæk.rɪˈfɪʃ.əl/
sac · ri · fi · cial
Adverb:sacrificially
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sacrificial Lexical Profile

sacrificial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, constituting, or offered as a religious sacrifice or ritual offering.

Example

"Archaeologists uncovered an ancient stone altar used for sacrificial ceremonies."

2

Involving or characterized by the voluntary giving up of something valued for the sake of others or a higher cause.

Example

"Her sacrificial dedication to the community clinic inspired a new generation of volunteers."

3

Designed to be consumed, corroded, or destroyed in order to protect a more valuable structure or component from damage.

Example

"Engineers attached a sacrificial zinc anode to the ship's hull to prevent the steel from rusting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sacrificial

• Nearby Words

sacredly
sacredness
sacrifice
sacrificial
sacrificially
sacrilege
sacrilegious

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sacrificium' (from 'sacer', meaning sacred, and 'facere', meaning to make or perform) combined with the adjectival suffix '-ial'. It entered English in the mid-17th century.

Cite this Entry

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