crucify
crucify Lexical Profile
crucify Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To put someone to death by nailing or binding their hands and feet to a cross, an ancient method of execution.
"Ancient Roman authorities used to crucify rebels and criminals along major public roads as a warning to others."
To criticize, punish, or treat someone with extreme harshness in public (informal).
"The media will crucify the coach if the team loses the championship game after such a costly mistake."
To cause someone intense mental, emotional, or physical torment; to mortify or subdue one's bodily desires.
"In classic ascetic theology, monks sought to crucify their worldly passions through fasting and prayer."
• Rhymes for crucify
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French crucifier, which derives from Late Latin crucifigere, combining crux ('cross') and figere ('to fasten or fix').