an act of slaughtering an animal or person or surrendering a possession as an offering to a deity

they offer sacrifices to the spirits

the ancient laws of animal sacrifice

Christ's offering of himself in the Crucifixion

an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy

we must all be prepared to make sacrifices

offer or kill as a religious sacrifice

the goat was sacrificed at the shrine

give up (something valued) for the sake of other considerations

working hard doesn't mean sacrificing your social life