Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object), im·mo·lat·ed, im·mo·lat·ing.
- to sacrifice.
- to kill as a sacrificial victim, as by fire; offer in sacrifice.
- to destroy by fire.
verb (tr)
- to kill or offer as a sacrifice, esp by fire
- literary to sacrifice (something highly valued)
1540s, “to sacrifice, kill as a victim,” from Latin immolatus, past participle of immolare “to sacrifice,” originally “to sprinkle with sacrificial meal,” from assimilated form of in- “into, in, on, upon” (see in- (2)) + mola (salsa) “(sacrificial) meal,” related to molere “to grind” (see mallet). Related: Immolated; immolating.