scarification

noun

scar·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsker-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of scarifying

2

: a mark or marks made by scarifying

Examples of scarification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prince-Bythewood leveraged that research as a foundation for the storytelling, pairing it with the tradition of scarification to create a visual language for power that’s akin to ancient and modern worlds. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Some specialty seeds call for scarification which requires breaking down a hard outer hull. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026

Since the seeds are hard-shelled, germination often requires scarification, that is, weakening of the seeds’ coats by an exterior force in order to encourage water absorption. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026

Investigators later alleged that Greene’s wounds were inflicted by a Pennsylvania scarification artist, referred to as Individual 1. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scarification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

scarification

noun

scar·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌskar-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ˌsker- 

1

: the act or process of scarifying

vaccination by scarification

2

: a mark or marks made by scarifying