- From Sacrificen.: cf. F. sacrifier, L. sacrificare; sacer sacred, holy + -ficareonly in comp.) to make. See -fy
- To make an offering of; to consecrate or present to a divinity by way of expiation or propitiation, or as a token acknowledgment or thanksgiving; to immolate on the altar of God, in order to atone for sin, to procure favor, or to express thankfulness; as, to sacrifice an ox or a sheep.Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid.
- Hence, to destroy, surrender, or suffer to be lost, for the sake of obtaining something; to give up in favor of a higher or more imperative object or duty; to devote, with loss or suffering.Condemned to sacrifice his childish years To babbling ignorance, and to empty fears.The Baronet had sacrificed a large sum . . . for the sake of . . . making this boy his heir.
- To destroy; to kill.
- To sell at a price less than the cost or the actual value.Tradesmen's Cant
