Definition

To kill or destroy something, especially by fire, often as a form of sacrifice.

Example

In ancient rituals, people would immolate animals as offerings to the gods.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about the ancient ritual where they would immolate offerings to the gods?

Yeah, I read about that! It sounds so intense and dramatic.

I can't believe people would actually immolate something as a sacrifice.

Right? It’s hard to imagine doing something like that today.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Immolate is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "molare" (meaning to grind or crush). The word originally referred to the act of sacrificing by grinding or crushing something, often in a ritual context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being associated with 'grinding' ('molare') something down, which helps you remember that 'immolate' means to sacrifice, often by burning.

Visually Confused Words