Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sacrificial burning: The primary meaning refers to the act of burning something, often a living being or an offering, as a form of sacrifice or ritual.
   • Holocaust: In a broader and more severe context, it can denote a large-scale destruction or slaughter, particularly by fire, analogous to the term "holocaust."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Truyền thuyết kể về một nghi lễ thiêu sinh cổ xưa. (The legend tells of an ancient sacrificial burning ritual.)
  • Chiến tranh đã gây ra một cuộc thiêu sinh khủng khiếp. (The war caused a terrible holocaust.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical, anthropological, or literary contexts to describe extreme events of destruction or ancient ritual practices. It carries a heavy, solemn connotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Thiêu (v): to burn, to cremate.

  • Người ta thiêu xác chết. (They cremate the dead.)

• Tế sinh (n/v): animal sacrifice (often without the specific implication of burning).

  • Lễ tế sinh được thực hiện để cầu an. (An animal sacrifice is performed to pray for peace.)

Synonyms

• Sacrificial burning: the act of burning as a sacrifice.
• Holocaust: wholesale destruction, especially by fire.
• Immolation: killing or offering as a sacrifice, especially by fire.

Related Idioms

• While "thiêu sinh" itself is not commonly part of idioms, the concept is related to phrases describing utter destruction.
  • Thiêu rụi tất cả: to burn everything to the ground.

    • Kẻ thù thiêu rụi tất cả làng mạc. (The enemy burned all the villages to the ground.)