verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ˈkɹuːsɪfaɪ/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -aɪ
CMU ARPABET:K R UW1 S AH0 F AY2
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
verb
Meaning 1
To execute (a person) by nailing to a cross.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
verb
Meaning 2
To punish or otherwise express extreme anger at, especially as a scapegoat or target of outrage.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: excessive, transitive
Examples
After his public gaffe, he was crucified in the media.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
verb
Meaning 3
To thoroughly beat at a sport or game.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: excessive, informal, transitive
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports
Examples
West Ham beat Manchester City five nil–they crucified them!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
verb
Meaning 4
criticize harshly or violently
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The press savaged the new President
The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage
