crucify

verb

1. 1

   criticize harshly or violently

   The press savaged the new President

   The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage

2. 2

   hold within limits and control

   subdue one's appetites

   mortify the flesh

3. 3

   treat cruelly

   The children tormented the stuttering teacher

4. 4

   kill by nailing onto a cross

   Jesus Christ was crucified