scathe

[ skeyth ]

verb (used with object)

, scathed, scath·ing.

1. to attack with severe criticism.
2. to hurt, harm, or injure, as by scorching.

noun

1. hurt, harm, or injury.

scathe

/ skeɪð /

verb

1. rare.
   to attack with severe criticism
2. archaic.
   to injure

noun

1. archaic.
   harm

Derived Forms

• ˈscatheless, adjective

Other Words From

• scatheless adjective
• scatheless·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scathe¹

before 1000; (noun) Middle English scath ( e ), scade, schath ( e ) < Old Norse skathi damage, harm, cognate with Old English sc ( e ) atha malefactor, injury (with which the Middle English forms with sch- might be identified); (v.) Middle English scath ( e ), skath ( e ) < Old Norse skatha, cognate with Old English sceathian

Word History and Origins

Origin of scathe¹

Old English sceatha; related to Old Norse skathi, Old Saxon scatho

Example Sentences

Smyth used his role in a Christian charity to assault over 100 children and young men - and the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned after being criticised in a scathing report earlier this month.

From BBC

We saw scathing text messages from Dame Moya Greene, the former head of Royal Mail, which cast doubt on Ms Vennells’ honesty.

From BBC

Stewart has publicly bashed the film, recently giving it a scathing review in the the New York Times.

From Los Angeles Times

The same charges became the subject of an inquiry by the House Ethics Committee, which was reportedly set to release a scathing report on Gaetz Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Though he did not specify to the Times whether Simon’s gripe was with his scathing 2015 comments, Garfunkel admitted to the Times, “I was a fool.”

From Los Angeles Times