verb
flay
flay
Flay (verb) means to strip the skin from a body. Example: “The ancient myth describes the god being flayed alive.”
verb
1
To strip the skin from a body.
"The ancient myth describes the god being flayed alive."
2
To criticize someone harshly and mercilessly.
"The critics flayed the film for its weak script."
How to use flay
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally, to strip off skin; figuratively, to criticize someone brutally.
Common pairings
flay alive
flay someone in a review
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Word forms
- Plural
- flays
- Third person singular
- flays
- Past tense
- flayed, flaid, flew, flain
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ancient myth describes the god being _____ alive.
Etymology
From Old English flean, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to strip."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for flay
See all rhymes for flay →Frequently asked questions
What does “flay” mean?
The word “flay” means to strip the skin from a body. In plain terms, literally, to strip off skin; figuratively, to criticize someone brutally.
How do you pronounce “flay”?
“Flay” is pronounced flay (/fleɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flay” in a sentence?
Here is “flay” used in a sentence: “The ancient myth describes the god being flayed alive.”
What part of speech is “flay”?
“Flay” is a verb.
Where does the word “flay” come from?
The word “flay” comes from Old English. From Old English flean, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to strip.".
How many meanings does “flay” have?
“Flay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to strip the skin from a body.
