crucify
Translation
to crucify, to criticize severely, to torment
Examples
They decided to crucify the prisoner.
They decided to crucify the prisoner.
The press will crucify him for that mistake.
The press will crucify him for that mistake.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to put (sb.) to death on a cross They decided to crucify the prisoner.
((sb.)) ((for sth.)) to criticize (sb.) severely for (sth.) The press will crucify him for that mistake.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (figurative) condemn, attack, lambaste; Antonyms: (figurative) praise, laud, commend
Etymology
From Latin 'cruci fixus' (fixed to a cross), from 'crux' (cross) + 'figere' (to fix).
Memory Tips
Think of the image of a cross ('cruci-'). The figurative meaning is like a verbal attack that 'pins someone down'.