mass sacrifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mass sacrifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing large-scale acts of sacrifice, whether in historical, religious, or metaphorical discussions. Example: "The ancient civilization was known for its mass sacrifice rituals, which were believed to appease their gods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He has selected the US population as his chosen people and he will lead them to a new golden age of mass sacrifice and unmentionable horror".

The Guardian - Books

"The government must take immediate action to address the grave health risks of the mass sacrifice, including bird and swine flu, TB and food poisoning".

Independent

Pontormo painted a bizarre nightmare memory of the siege in his painting The Eleven Thousand Martyrs, which remembers it as both a mass sacrifice and a mad battle.

The Guardian - Arts

In 1857 the Xhosa were induced by a prophecy to slaughter their cattle in a mass sacrifice that was to be followed by a miraculous overthrow of the British.

Britannica

Britain's war effort, that is to say, was hobbled even before a BEF shot was fired and before the mass sacrifice by old, privileged men of young British blood began in hideous earnest.

The Guardian

But we are still haunted by the collective horror and mass sacrifice of the "great war", as proved by the way it currently dignifies a superior soap such as Downton Abbey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The art of the Aztecs includes impressive receptacles for the human blood that flowed from mass sacrifices.

The Guardian - Arts

The mass sacrifices have been taken out in every which way, from traditional sport-throwing (which has become an official gaming event in Finland) to running it over, sledging it, flushing it, sniping it, etc. Traditionalized by the violent unboxing of the Apple's earlier iPhones, I feel like I'm treading on a subject of cult or religion while I write this.

Vice

The whole point of "Game of Thrones" is that it is not a game, that the masses sacrificed to the hubris of kings will rise and demand a reckoning.

Los Angeles Times

During total eclipses of the sun, at least one ancient culture performed mass human sacrifice to placate the gods.

MIT Technology Review

But adjust the lens for a wider view and a vastly greater mass of sacrifice and suffering can be seen, the direct result of 9/11 and the US response to it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mass sacrifice", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, as it can imply both religious ritual and large-scale loss or destruction. For greater clarity, specify what is being sacrificed (e.g., "mass animal sacrifice" or "mass economic sacrifice").

Common error

Avoid using "mass sacrifice" in contexts where the term "sacrifice" might be misconstrued as a positive or voluntary act. Ensure the phrase aligns with a sense of significant loss, destruction, or a coerced offering to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mass sacrifice" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a large-scale offering or killing, often with religious or ritualistic implications. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes events ranging from ancient rituals to metaphorical losses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mass sacrifice" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a large-scale act of offering or destruction, as Ludwig AI confirms. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, historical accounts, and scientific discussions. The term carries connotations of scale and significance, applicable to both religious rituals and metaphorical losses. To ensure clarity, writers should carefully consider the context and specify what is being sacrificed. When used appropriately, "mass sacrifice" effectively conveys the magnitude and gravity of the event or concept being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large-scale sacrifice

Emphasizes the scale and magnitude of the sacrifice, replacing "mass" with a more descriptive adjective.

wholesale slaughter

Focuses on the violent aspect of killing a large number, moving away from the religious connotation.

collective offering

Highlights the communal aspect of giving up something, often in a religious or spiritual context.

general sacrifice

Suggests a common or widespread act of offering.

widespread immolation

Implies destruction by fire affecting a large group.

great immolation

Focuses on the scale of something being sacrificed or destroyed by fire.

collective loss

Focuses on the concept of losing something on a grand scale by a group.

massacre

Focuses solely on the violent killing of a large number of people without necessarily implying a religious or ritual context.

great destruction

Emphasizes the devastating impact of something being destroyed or lost on a large scale.

large scale loss

This phrase is less tied to religious concepts and is more broadly about something that is lost

FAQs

How is "mass sacrifice" used in historical contexts?

"Mass sacrifice" often refers to large-scale rituals in ancient cultures. For instance, some civilizations practiced "human sacrifice" on a large scale for religious purposes. It can also refer to great losses during wars or disasters.

What are some alternatives to "mass sacrifice" that emphasize scale?

Alternatives that highlight the scale include "large-scale sacrifice", "wholesale slaughter", or "widespread immolation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "mass sacrifice" appropriate for describing non-religious events?

Yes, while "mass sacrifice" has religious connotations, it can be used metaphorically to describe large-scale losses in other contexts, such as economic downturns or environmental disasters. However, ensure the metaphor is clear and appropriate to avoid misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "mass sacrifice" and "collective offering"?

"Mass sacrifice" often implies a forced or destructive act, while "collective offering" suggests a voluntary contribution from a group. The term "sacrifice" tends to have darker overtones than "offering".