sacrificiul

Sacrificiul is the Romanian noun for the act of giving up something valuable or desirable for a higher purpose, often within religious, ritual, ethical, or social contexts. It can refer to the ceremony itself as well as to the broader concept of self-denial or offering.

Etymology and usage notes: The term derives from Latin sacrificium, entering Romanian through Romance languages such as French as sacrifice. Sacrificiul is masculine and forms definite and plural forms as sacrificiul and sacrificiile, with the noun used in both concrete ritual contexts and general discussions of sacrifice.

Contexts and meanings: Throughout history, many cultures practiced sacrifices—typically offerings of animals, crops, or other valuable goods to deities or spirits in sacred spaces. In Judaism, ancient temple sacrifices (korbanot) played a central role until the destruction of the Second Temple; later rabbinic and theological texts examine their meaning and historical status. In Christianity, sacrifice is usually understood in spiritual or doctrinal terms rather than as a ritual animal offering. In Islam, Eid al-Adha involves the symbolic or actual slaughter of animals to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice, a practice with religious significance. In Hinduism and other traditions, offerings occur in various forms, ranging from animal sacrifices in specific sects to symbolic or voluntary acts in most contemporary practices.

Modern usage: Sacrificiul is frequently used metaphorically to describe personal or collective acts of self-denial for family, country, or a cause—such as time, resources, or personal comfort given for others or for a principle. The term thus covers both historical rites and contemporary expressions of devotion or duty.