First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
crucify
verb cru·ci·fy \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī\
: to kill (someone) by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross
: to criticize (someone or something) very harshly
cru·ci·fiedcru·ci·fy·ing
Full Definition of CRUCIFY
transitive verb
1
: to put to death by nailing or binding the wrists or hands and feet to a cross
2
: to destroy the power of : mortify <crucify the flesh>
3
— cru·ci·fi·er \-ˌfī-ər\ noun
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Origin of CRUCIFY
Middle English crucifien, from Anglo-French crucifier, from Late Latin crucifigere
Rhymes with CRUCIFY
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CRUCIFY Defined for Kids
crucify
verb cru·ci·fy \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī\
cru·ci·fiedcru·ci·fy·ing
Definition of CRUCIFY for Kids
1
: to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross
2
: to treat cruelly or harshly <Dishonest judges were crucified in the newspapers.>
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