ritualistic sacrifice

Sacred killing rite

Ritualistic sacrifice is the killing of an animal or person as part of a religious ceremony, offered to appease or honor a deity.

The phrase emphasizes the ceremonial nature—prescribed actions, words, and timing that distinguish sacred killing from mere slaughter.

It appears in discussions of ancient religions, archaeological findings, and sometimes in sensationalized accounts of cult activity: Evidence suggested the lamb was a ritualistic sacrifice rather than ordinary butchering.

Related

burnt offering · ceremony · cult · high priest · priest · slaughter · sacred · rites · victim · pagan · temple · incense · dagger · ancient · lamb · gods · invocation · ceremonial

Opposites
intentionality and sacred purpose

ritualistic sacrificeaccidental death

Unintentional fatal outcome

murder · natural death · collateral damage

giving vs receiving

ritualistic sacrificedivine blessing

Sacred favor from deity

divine gift · answered prayer · heavenly reward · benediction · providence

sacred vs. profane

ritualistic sacrificedesecration

Violating something sacred

sacrilege

Family

ritual, rituals, ritualism, ritualist, ritualists, ritualize, ritualized, ritualizing, ritually

Familiarity
Top 500,000
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Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Rated PG-13