immolate

[ im-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, im·mo·lat·ed, im·mo·lat·ing.

1. to sacrifice.
2. to kill as a sacrificial victim, as by fire; offer in sacrifice.
3. to destroy by fire.

immolate

/ ˈɪməʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to kill or offer as a sacrifice, esp by fire
2. literary.
   to sacrifice (something highly valued)

Derived Forms

• ˌimmoˈlation, noun
• ˈimmoˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• immo·lator noun
• un·immo·lated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of immolate¹

1540–50; < Latin immolātus, past participle of immolāre to sprinkle with holy meal prior to sacrificing, sacrifice, equivalent to im- im- ¹ + mol ( a ) sacrificial barley cake, literally, millstone ( mill ¹ ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of immolate¹

C16: from Latin immolāre to sprinkle an offering with sacrificial meal, sacrifice, from im- (in) + mola spelt grain; see mill ¹

Example Sentences

Friends of Wynn Bruce, who immolated on the steps of the U.S.

From Salon

The event ended with a paean by Musk and DeSantis to cryptocurrency, which is tantamount to enticing innocent small investors into immolating their nest eggs in a scam.

From Los Angeles Times

She could not say whose bodies were being immolated, and the area around the dump had been cordoned off by Ukrainian security earlier in the week.

From New York Times

Bankman-Fried’s personal fortune has been immolated over only a few days of turmoil.

From Los Angeles Times

And “Nothing Compares,” which debuted at Sundance, is bringing O’Connor’s story to a generation of viewers who weren’t yet alive when she immolated her career at 30 Rock.

From Los Angeles Times