cremate

Everyday

1. To burn the body of a person who has died, until only ashes are left, as a way of saying goodbye instead of burying them. tree →
2. (informal, joking) To burn food very badly: «You've cremated the toast!» tree →

In the lessons

In adult life, when someone dies their family may choose for the body to be cremated at a crematorium, then keep or scatter the ashes. Many Hindus and many Christians choose cremation; some faiths prefer burial. Phrases: «be cremated», «cremated remains», «scatter the ashes».

Examples

• Grandpa was cremated, and we scattered his ashes by the sea. tree →
• Some families choose to bury, and some to cremate. tree →
• Hindus usually cremate their dead. tree →
• Her ashes are in a small box after she was cremated. tree →
• Dad cremated the sausages on the barbecue! tree →
• The funeral was followed by a short service at the crematorium. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: cremation; the place is a crematorium. Usually passive: «He was cremated.» A sensitive word: be gentle when using it about real people.