crucify
word
Definition
To kill someone by nailing or tying them to a cross, a method famously associated with Jesus; also used figuratively to mean to criticize someone very harshly.
Usage & Nuances
'Crucify' is formal/literary in its literal sense and often religious. Figurative use ('crucified in the press') means to severely criticize or punish, but is much less common in daily speech. Not used lightly—implies extreme suffering or attack. Don't confuse with 'criticize', which is milder.
Example Sentences
The Romans used to crucify people as a punishment.
basic
They threatened to crucify him for betraying the team.
basic
If you make a mistake, don’t worry—they won’t crucify you.
basic
The media absolutely crucified her after the scandal.
natural
After saying the wrong thing at the meeting, I felt like everyone wanted to crucify me.
natural
That movie was so bad the critics totally crucified it.
natural