English Reference

Word

crucifixion

Phoneticscru·ci·fix·ion

US/ˌkɹusɪˈfɪkʃən/

UK/kɹˈuːsɪfˌɪkʃən/

Definition

n. an ancient and very painful way of killing someone by tying or nailing them to a wooden cross. It was used long ago as a public punishment.

n. an ancient method of execution involving the attachment of a person to a wooden cross or stake. Historically associated with the Roman Empire and the central narrative of Christianity.

Examples

“The museum displayed ancient tools used in a crucifixion.”

“Historians study the practice of crucifixion to understand the legal and social structures of the Roman provinces.”

“While the term is most famously associated with the death of Jesus, crucifixion was a widespread punitive measure employed by various ancient civilizations to deter rebellion and public disorder.”

Examples

simple

“The museum displayed ancient tools used in a crucifixion.”

contextual

“Historians study the practice of crucifixion to understand the legal and social structures of the Roman provinces.”

complex

“While the term is most famously associated with the death of Jesus, crucifixion was a widespread punitive measure employed by various ancient civilizations to deter rebellion and public disorder.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the method of execution; countable when referring to a specific historical event or artistic depiction.

Real-World Examples

“Most of the time, the patrons wanted the depictions of the same conventional pieces: the Madonna and Child or the crucifixion of Christ.”
The Guardian · 14 Aug 2026

Word family

crucifixNouncrucifixionNouncrucifyVerb

Domain

Military

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference