What does "sacrifice" mean in the context of MTG, and how does it differ from a creature dying?

In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), "sacrifice" means intentionally getting rid of a permanent, like a creature, as a cost for a spell or ability. This is different from a creature dying, which usually happens as a result of combat or damage. Sacrificing a creature is a deliberate action, while a creature dying is often a consequence of gameplay.