殉死

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 殉死 is read as じゅんし and is a noun and する verb for a retainer following a lord in death after the lord dies.
• Basic usage: A retainer following a lord in death appears in 家臣が殉死する, while a system prohibiting the practice appears in 殉死を禁じた制度.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A term tied to a historical lord-retainer relationship
  • It does not denote death generally but specifically identifies dying after one’s lord within that relationship.
• Difference from 殉職
  • Unlike the term for dying in the line of duty, this word focuses on following one’s lord in death.