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.
2.
to sacrifice oneself; to give one's life
To give up one's life or safety for a cause, person, or ideal.
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 words
Related Words
Compare:
打ち込む (to devote oneself to)
Compare:
尽くす (to serve)
Compare:
身を投じる (to devote oneself to)