殉じゅん死し

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

following one's master into death; dying with one's lord

Historical practice, especially associated with samurai culture, where a retainer commits suicide upon the death of their lord. Often discussed in historical or literary contexts.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だいには殉じゅん死しが禁きんじられた。

  Following one's master into death was prohibited in the Edo period.

• 彼かれは主しゅ君くんの死しに殉じゅん死しした。

  He committed suicide to follow his lord in death.