Definition

Noun 1. The act or process of incinerating a dead body: Cremation refers specifically to the method of final disposition of a human body through burning, typically resulting in ashes (cremains). 2. The state or result of being cremated: It can also refer to the event or the ashes produced by this process.

Usage

Cremation is used as a count or non-count noun to discuss the practice, procedure, or result of burning a corpse. - It is a common subject in discussions about funeral practices, religious customs, and legal regulations. - The term is neutral and formal.

Examples

• As a process/event:
  • The family chose cremation over a traditional burial.
  • The cremation will take place at the city's facility tomorrow.
• Referring to the practice in general:
  • In some cultures, cremation is the predominant funeral rite.
  • The law requires a permit for cremation.

Advanced Usage

• "To be sent for cremation": A phrase indicating that a body has been taken to a crematorium.
  • After the service, his remains were sent for cremation.
• "Cremation of": Used to specify whose body is being cremated.
  • The cremation of the renowned author was a private ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Cremate (verb): To burn a dead body to ashes.
  • They decided to cremate their grandfather.
• Crematory / Crematorium (noun): A building or furnace where cremations are performed.
  • The crematorium is located on the outskirts of town.
• Cremains (noun, plural): The ashes of a cremated body.
  • They scattered his cremains at sea.

Synonyms

• Incineration: The technical process of burning something completely to ashes. (Often used interchangeably but can apply to objects other than bodies).
• Immolation: A more literary term meaning sacrifice by fire, which can include cremation but implies a sacrificial context.

Related Phrases

• Direct cremation: A cremation performed shortly after death, without a preceding funeral service.
  • They opted for a direct cremation to keep costs low.
• Cremation urn: A container used to hold cremated remains.
  • The cremation urn was placed on the mantelpiece.

Noun

1. the incineration of a dead body