crucify

verb cru·ci·fy \ ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of crucify

crucified; crucifying

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 a : to treat cruelly : torment

b : pillory 2

crucified in the press

—

crucifier

play \ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī-ər\ noun

See crucify defined for English-language learners

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Examples of crucify in a Sentence

They crucified her in the newspapers for having an affair.

Recent Examples of crucify from the Web

Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and the disciple Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him, is said to have been the 13th guest at the Last Supper.

— editors, USA TODAY, "Friday the 13th, Coachella and more things to know Friday," 13 Apr. 2018
Then came the events of the Passion of Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem at the time of Passover around A.D. 33.

— jon meacham, New York Times, "Jesus Died Only to Rise Again. Where Did the Concept of the Resurrection Come From?," 30 Mar. 2018
Christianity's humble beginnings trace to a moment when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified in Jerusalem, then part of the Roman Empire, about 33 A.D. The Resurrection startled even Jesus' own followers, according to the Gospels.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Easter Sunday: Christians share 'why we believe'," 1 Apr. 2018
In Bible readings during the service, parishioners were reminded how Christ was resurrected from his tomb after being crucified by the Romans.

— frank vaisvilas, Daily Southtown, "Thousands flock to St. Damian's for Easter in Oak Forest," 1 Apr. 2018
Good Friday is the day Christians say Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross and died for the sins of the world.

— The Aegis, "Way of the Cross to highlight Good Friday in HdG," 30 Mar. 2018
For those unfamiliar with the tradition of Lent, the idea is to give up something for 40 days as an attempt to mimic Jesus’ suffering in the 40 days before he was crucified.

— danielle prescod, Harper's BAZAAR, "I Quit Instagram for 43 Days," 30 Mar. 2018
This was a forbidden question for the Crusaders, who believed that in crucifying Jesus the Jews had turned their backs on God.

— john kaag, WSJ, "‘The Cloister’ Review: Enclosed Encounters," 2 Mar. 2018
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified and buried, stands in Jerusalem’s Old City, captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war.

— david wainer, Bloomberg.com, "Christianity’s Holiest Site in Jerusalem Shut in Israel Tax Flap," 25 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crucify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of crucify

Middle English crucifien, from Anglo-French crucifier, from Late Latin crucifigere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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CRUCIFY Defined for English Language Learners

crucify

verb

Definition of crucify for English Language Learners

: to kill (someone) by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross
: to criticize (someone or something) very harshly

CRUCIFY Defined for Kids

crucify

verb cru·ci·fy \ ˈkrü-sə-ˌfī \

Definition of crucify for Students

crucified; crucifying

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.

Learn More about crucify

See words that rhyme with crucify Spanish Central: Translation of crucify Nglish: Translation of crucify for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crucify for Arabic speakers

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crucify

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crucifier

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CRUCIFY Defined for English Language Learners

crucify

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crucify

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crucify

Definition of crucify

crucifier

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CRUCIFY Defined for English Language Learners

crucify

Definition of crucify for English Language Learners

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