from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sacrifice \Sac"ri*fice\ (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Sacrificed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Sacrificing}.] [From
{Sacrifice}, n.: cf. F. sacrifier, L. sacrificare; sacer
sacred, holy + -ficare (only in comp.) to make. See {-fy}.]
1. To make an offering of; to consecrate or present to a
divinity by way of expiation or propitiation, or as a
token acknowledgment or thanksgiving; to immolate on the
altar of God, in order to atone for sin, to procure favor,
or to express thankfulness; as, to sacrifice an ox or a
sheep.
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Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid. --Milton.
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2. Hence, to destroy, surrender, or suffer to be lost, for
the sake of obtaining something; to give up in favor of a
higher or more imperative object or duty; to devote, with
loss or suffering.
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Condemned to sacrifice his childish years
To babbling ignorance, and to empty fears. --Prior.
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The Baronet had sacrificed a large sum . . . for the
sake of . . . making this boy his heir. --G. Eliot.
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3. To destroy; to kill. --Johnson.
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4. To sell at a price less than the cost or the actual value.
[Tradesmen's Cant]
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