Definition

Noun: - The act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity: A deliberate act of taking life, performed as a central part of a religious or solemn ceremony to appease, honor, or communicate with a god or supernatural power.

Usage

• This term is used exclusively to describe killings that are formal, ceremonial, and motivated by religious belief. It is an academic and descriptive term, often used in anthropology, history, and religious studies.
• It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The ancient civilization was known for its ritual killings intended to ensure a good harvest.
• Anthropologists studied the evidence of a ritual killing found at the sacred site.
• The practice of ritual killing has been documented in various cultures throughout history.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be applied in both historical and contemporary contexts to describe similar practices across different religions and cultures.
• It often implies a specific, prescribed method and context for the act, distinguishing it from murder or secular execution.

Variants and Related Words

• Sacrifice (n): A more common general synonym, often implying the offering of something valuable (which can be life) to a deity. is a specific type of sacrifice.
• Ritual slaughter: This phrase is sometimes used, particularly when referring to the killing of animals according to religious dietary laws (e.g., kosher, halal). It is a related but distinct concept, as the primary purpose is often consumption according to ritual law rather than propitiation.

Synonyms

• Sacrifice (in the context of taking life)
• Offering (when it specifically involves a life)
• Immolation (specifically refers to killing as a sacrifice, often by fire)

Related Phrases

• Human sacrifice: A specific type of ritual killing where the victim is a human being.
• Blood sacrifice: Emphasizes the letting of blood as a key element of the ritual offering.

Noun

1. the act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity