The spelling of the word "immolation" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /ˌɪməˈleɪʃən/ and refers to the act of sacrificing oneself or something valuable. The first syllable, "im," is pronounced with a short "i" as in "him" and the second syllable, "mo," is pronounced with a long "o" as in "go." The third syllable, "la," is pronounced with a short "a" as in "cat," and the final syllable, "tion," is pronounced with a shun sound, as in "nation."
Immolation refers to a sacrificial act of intentionally killing oneself or someone else, usually by fire. This term originates from the Latin word "immolare", which means "to sprinkle with sacrificial meal" or "to sacrifice."
In a religious or cultural context, immolation is often associated with an offering to deities or higher powers as a means to show devotion, seek favor, or appease divine forces. Typically performed through self-sacrifice, it involves the individual willingly subjecting themselves to extreme pain and eventually death, usually through burning or other excruciating methods.
Outside of religious acts, immolation can also be undertaken as a form of protest, rebellion, or extreme devotion to a cause. This often reflects the individual's deep conviction, desperation, or desire to draw attention to an issue or injustice. In these instances, immolation aims to make a powerful statement and draw significant public or media attention to the cause, with the ultimate sacrifice of one's life being seen as a means of highlighting the severity of the issue at hand.
Due to its nature as a self-inflicted act of fatal harm, immolation is considered highly dangerous and is typically condemned by authorities and societies. It is a phenomenon that has occurred throughout history in various regions and cultures, often leaving a lasting impact on both the communities involved and the collective consciousness.
A sacrifice offered.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "immolation" originated from the Latin word "immolatio", which is derived from the verb "immolare". "Immolare" is a combination of the prefix "im-" (meaning "into") and the verb "mola" (meaning "meal" or "flour"). Therefore, the etymology of "immolation" can be traced back to the Latin word "immolare", which originally referred to the act of sacrificing an animal by sprinkling flour or throwing it into a fire. Over time, the meaning of "immolation" has evolved to encompass the broader concept of sacrifice or the act of offering oneself, usually in a literal or metaphorical sense.