crucify

Everyday

1. To kill someone by nailing or tying them to a cross and leaving them to die — a cruel punishment used in ancient times, especially by the Romans. tree →
2. (Bible, church) Used of Jesus: Christians believe Jesus was crucified and rose again on the third day. tree →
3. (informal) To criticise someone very harshly or punish them badly: «The newspapers crucified the manager.» tree →
4. (informal, sport) To beat someone very heavily. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education and church life: the Gospels tell how Jesus was crucified; Good Friday remembers his death, Easter his rising. In history: the Romans crucified rebels and slaves. In everyday informal talk: «My mum will crucify me if I'm late!» means she will be very angry (an exaggeration). Phrases: «was crucified», «crucified under Pontius Pilate», «crucify someone for something».

Examples

• The Romans crucified criminals as a warning to others. tree →
• Christians believe Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and rose again on Easter Sunday. tree →
• The creed says he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. tree →
• Two thieves were crucified beside Jesus. tree →
• Mum will crucify me if I lose another coat! tree →
• The critics crucified the new film. tree →
• We got crucified six–nil in the final. tree →

Note

Irregular spelling: y changes to i before -es and -ed: crucifies, crucified; but «crucifying». Nouns: «crucifixion» (the act), «crucifix» (a cross with the figure of Jesus on it). Talk about the religious meaning respectfully. The informal sense is an exaggeration, not a real threat.