immolate
Meaning
To kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning.
Structure
Usage
In some ancient cultures, people would immolate animals to appease their gods.
The political protester threatened to immolate himself in the town square.
The legend tells of a queen who chose to immolate herself on her husband's funeral pyre.
Etymology
The word 'immolate' originates from the Latin verb 'immolare', which meant 'to sprinkle with sacrificial meal'. This verb was formed from the prefix 'in-' (upon) and 'mola' (the sacred meal). In ancient Roman rites, victims were consecrated for sacrifice by having this meal cast upon them. Over time, the preparatory act of sprinkling became synonymous with the entire sacrificial act itself, and the meaning broadened in English to signify any form of sacrificial killing, particularly by fire.
Analysis
- im: Latin prefix 'in-', meaning 'in, upon'. - mola: From Latin 'mola', meaning 'millstone, ground meal'. In the context of Roman religion, 'mola salsa' was the sacred salted meal sprinkled on sacrificial victims. - ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin.