verb

crucify

KROO-sih-feye

verb

To execute someone by nailing or binding them to a cross.

"Roman authorities crucified thousands of rebels along the road."

To criticise or punish someone harshly, especially as a scapegoat.

"The tabloids crucified the minister over the leaked emails."

How to Use Crucify

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo execute on a cross, or (informally) to attack someone very harshly in public.

Common pairings

crucified in the press crucify someone for a mistake

crucified past tense, crucifies singular

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From Old French crucefier, from Latin crucifigo, "to fix to a cross."

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