crucify

/ˈkɹuːsɪfaɪ/

Etymology

From Middle English crucifien, from Old French crucefier, from Late Latin crucificō, from Latin crucifigō.

crucify means to execute (a person) by nailing to a cross. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 75 out of 100.

Why this word is great

CRUCIFY — [Verb] To execute by nailing or binding to a cross, or to subject to severe public censure or punishment. From Middle English crucifien, from Old French crucefier, from Late Latin crucificō, a variant of Latin crucifigō, from crux, cruc- ("cross") and figere ("to fasten, fix"). Unlike "criticize" (which merely finds fault) or "execute" (which neutrally describes a sentence), to crucify is to inflict a punishment designed for spectacle and prolonged agony. It is the iron spike driven through the wrist, the relentless, gleeful savaging of a reputation in a tabloid headline, and the specific, slow agony of being held aloft for all to see—a punishment that must be seen to be believed, fixing the living to an idea until it expires.

verb

To execute (a person) by nailing to a cross.
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.”
To thoroughly beat at a sport or game.“West Ham beat Manchester City five nil–they crucified them!”