crucify

[ kroo-suh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, cru·ci·fied, cru·ci·fy·ing.

1. to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross.
2. to treat with gross injustice; persecute; torment; torture.
3. to subdue (passion, sin, etc.).

crucify

/ ˈkruːsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to put to death by crucifixion
2. slang.
   to defeat, ridicule, etc, totally

   the critics crucified his performance

3. to treat very cruelly; torment
4. to subdue (passion, lust, etc); mortify

Derived Forms

• ˈcruciˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• cruci·fier noun
• un·cruci·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucify¹

Middle English crucifien < Anglo-French, Old French crucifier < Latin crucifīgere, equivalent to Latin cruci- (stem of crux ) cross + fīgere to fix, bind fast

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucify¹

C13: from Old French crucifier, from Late Latin crucifīgere to crucify, to fasten to a cross, from Latin crux cross + fīgere to fasten

Example Sentences

For over three decades now, the race to crucify the next evolution of reality TV has been as competitive as networks’ race to escalate the shows’ outrageousness.

From The Daily Beast

She also went on a podcast hosted by conservative provocateur Dinesh D’Souza on Wednesday to complain that she is “being crucified” for “reading about things, posting about them and asking questions” on Facebook.

From Washington Post

Thy fell undoings crucify afresh Thy Lord—who died alike for these and thee.

From Project Gutenberg

"Thou who wouldst crucify me upon Shushan," he said through his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

In the eighteen books which follow, the word crucify appears but twice—in Hebrews (vi, 6) and in Revelation (xi, 8).

From Project Gutenberg

He has also power to avoid sin and to constantly crucify his flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

I ran away from him; I am a worthless fugitive, a thievish Phrygian slave, whom most masters would crucify.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• torment