crucify

Old French crucefier, from Latin crucifigo.

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɹuːsɪfaɪ/
• Rhymes: -aɪ

crucify (third-person singular simple present crucifies, present participle crucifying, simple past and past participle crucified)

1. To execute (a person) by nailing to a cross.
2. To punish or otherwise express extreme anger at, especially as a scapegoat or target of outrage.

   After his public gaffe, he was crucified in the media.

   • 1992, Tori Amos, Crucify (song)

     I crucify myself and nothing I do is good enough for you.

3. (informal) To thoroughly beat at a sport or game.

   West Ham beat Manchester City five nil - they crucified them!

• decrucify

• crucifix
• crucifixion