sacrifice

A sacrifice is the act of giving something up for the benefit of another person or a thing. People make a sacrifice because they have a strong belief or interest. Parents makes sacrifices for their children. Workers make sacrifices for their jobs or careers. Members of teams make sacrifices for the good of the team. Soldiers make sacrifices for their country or their cause.

• Denise makes a lot of sacrifices. She works many long hours to help support her family.
• Tom made a huge sacrifice last year when he volunteered to teach for free at a school for disadvantaged youth.
• Through sacrifice and persistence, Jennifer finally got her college degree. (Note: This word can be used as a count or a noncount noun.)
• People in the military may have to make the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

The word "sacrifice" is often used as a verb:

• Denise sacrifices a lot for the sake of her children.
• Tom sacrificed a year of his salary when he volunteered to work at the school.
• People sacrificed their time in order to help others.
• I’m sorry, I can’t sacrifice any more time this week.
• What would you be willing to sacrifice?

Sometimes a sacrifice is made for religious reasons:

• Animals were sacrificed in ancient times in order to please the gods.
• In the past, human beings were sacrificed as part of rituals and ceremonies.
• In modern times, acts of terror often involve a suicide bomber who sacrifices himself or herself in crowed public places, killing many innocent people in the process.

A lamb is being sacrificed.

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July 19, 2015