Meanings
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1
noun
execution by fastening a person to a cross or upright structure and leaving them to die
Roman authorities used crucifixion as a public and degrading punishment.
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2
noun
the Crucifixion of Jesus, or an artistic representation of that event
The altarpiece contains a Crucifixion painted against a dark gold ground.
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3
noun
figurative: extreme suffering, torment, or humiliation
Every forced smile felt like a private crucifixion.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English crucifixioun through Late Latin crucifixio, from crucifixus, 'fixed to a cross,' combining crux, 'cross,' with figere, 'to fasten.' Christian usage made the Crucifixion a proper name for Jesus's death and for images depicting it; figurative use denotes severe torment.