1.
to devote oneself; to dedicate oneself (to a cause or pursuit)
To commit one's entire being to a purpose, cause, or activity, often at the expense of personal comfort or desires.
研究に身を捧げる。
I devote myself to research.
彼女は音楽に身を捧げてきた。
She has devoted herself to music.
医療の発展に身を捧げた医師として知られている。
He is known as a doctor who devoted himself to the advancement of medicine.
2.
to sacrifice oneself; to give one's life
To give up one's life or safety for a cause, person, or ideal.
国のために身を捧げた。
They sacrificed themselves for their country.
仲間を守るために身を捧げる覚悟がある。
I am prepared to sacrifice myself to protect my comrades.
平和のために身を捧げた人々の犠牲を忘れてはならない。
We must not forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for peace.
身を捧げる literally means "to offer one's body/self" (身 = body/self, 捧げる = to offer/dedicate). It is a literary and somewhat elevated expression conveying deep commitment or sacrifice.
USAGE:
The cause or pursuit is marked with に: ～に身を捧げる. Sense 1 (devotion) is more common in modern usage than sense 2 (sacrifice).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 仕事に身を捧げる: devote oneself to one's work
- 愛に身を捧げる: devote oneself to love
- 神に身を捧げる: dedicate oneself to God
- 国のために身を捧げる: sacrifice oneself for one's country
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 一生を捧げる: to devote one's whole life — emphasizes the lifetime duration
- 打ち込む: to devote oneself to; to throw oneself into — more colloquial and active
- 尽くす: to serve; to exhaust oneself for — focuses on giving one's all in service