crucify crucify /ˈkruːsəˌfaɪ/

verb

1. () Kill by nailing onto a cross  ( crucify )
   kill by nailing onto a cross
    Jesus Christ was crucified
   Jesus Christ was crucified
   
2. () Treat cruelly  ( bedevil , dun , frustrate , crucify , rag , torment )
   treat cruelly
    The children tormented the stuttering teacher
   The children tormented the stuttering teacher
   
3. Criticize harshly or violently  ( blast [Informal] , crucify , pillory , savage )
   criticize harshly or violently
    The press savaged the new President
   The press savaged the new President
    The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage
   The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage
   
4. Hold within limits and control  ( crucify , mortify , subdue )
   hold within limits and control
    Subdue one's appetites
   subdue one's appetites
    Mortify the flesh
   mortify the flesh