What is the definition of a sacrifice in a religious context?

In a religious context, sacrifice refers specifically to an act of killing or offering something valuable, such as an animal or object, to a deity or religious figure as a means of worship or to gain favor. This act is often deeply rooted in the beliefs and practices of various faiths, where the sacrifice symbolizes devotion, atonement, or the desire for blessings. It reflects the relationship between the worshipper and the divine, illustrating the notion of giving up something of worth to show reverence or to seek favor in return.

The other options do not capture the religious significance of sacrifice. For instance, offering to a political leader does not pertain to religious rituals, while a payment for goods implies a transactional relationship rather than a spiritual one. Likewise, while a skilled craft made for a deity may relate to artistic devotion, it does not embody the concept of sacrifice as it lacks the element of loss or offering inherent in a sacrifice. Thus, the selected definition aligns closely with traditional religious practices centered on sacrifice, emphasizing its integral role in many cultures and belief systems.