Sac″ri‐fice (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Sacrificed (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Sacrificing (�).] [From Sacrifice, n.: cf. F. sacrifier, L. sacrificare; sacer sacred, holy + -ficare (only in comp.) to make. See -fy.] 1. To make an offering of; to consecrate or present to a divinity by way of expiation or propitiation, or as a token acknowledgment or thanksgiving; to immolate on the altar of God, in order to atone for sin, to procure favor, or to express thankfulness; as, to sacrifice an ox or a sheep.
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid. Milton.
2. Hence, to destroy, surrender, or suffer to be lost, for the sake of obtaining something; to give up in favor of a higher or more imperative object or duty; to devote, with loss or suffering.
Condemned to sacrifice his childish years
To babbling ignorance, and to empty fears. Prior.
The Baronet had sacrificed a large sum... for the sake of... making this boy his heir. G. Eliot.
3. To destroy; to kill. Johnson.
4. To sell at a price less than the cost or the actual value.