Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

last rites

Noun

/ˈlast raɪtz/

Definition

A religious ceremony performed for a person who is near death or has just died, intended to prepare their soul for the afterlife.

Examples

Many families choose to schedule last rites to provide peace to their loved ones.
The priest arrived just in time to perform the last rites for the patient.
Before his passing, he expressed his wish for last rites to be conducted at his bedside.

Meaning

The last rites are a set of religious ceremonies given to someone who is very ill or has died, usually to bring them comfort and to ensure their spiritual readiness for the next life.