殉 (xùn) - to be buried alive with the dead & to die for a cause or ideal

殉Tone 4

xùn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical: 歹

信嫣

殉 · xùn

to be buried alive with the dead;

to die for a cause or ideal;

to sacrifice oneself;

martyrdom.

to be buried alive with the deadto die for a cause or idealto sacrifice oneself

Usage highlights

buried alive with the deaddie for one's countrydie at one's postdie for a causemartyrsacrifice oneself for love

Synonyms

  • 牺牲— sacrifice (general term)
  • 献身— dedicate oneself to a cause

Antonyms

  • 苟活— live on in degradation
  • 偷生— drag out an ignoble existence

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Ancient rulers were sometimes buried with their sacrificial victims (殉葬).
  • He died for his country (为国殉职).
  • They sacrificed their lives for justice (为正义殉道).
  • The martyr's sacrifice (殉难者) is remembered.

Collocations

  • buried alive with the dead(殉葬)
  • die for one's country(殉国)
  • die at one's post(殉职)
  • die for a cause(殉道)
  • martyr(殉难者)
  • sacrifice oneself for love(殉情)

Idioms

  • To sacrifice one's life for righteousness(殉义忘身)
  • To die for one's country and sacrifice oneself(殉国殉身)
  • To be buried with the dead(以身殉葬)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Reflects the ancient practice of sacrificial burial (殉葬) where servants or concubines were buried alive with deceased rulers.
  • In Confucian tradition, dying for righteousness or one's country is considered honorable.
  • The character embodies the concept of ultimate sacrifice for ideals, principles, or loyalty.

FAQ