I. -ˌfī verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English scarifier, from Late Latin scarificare, alteration (influenced by Latin -ficare -fy) of Latin scarifare, from Greek skariphasthai to scratch an outline, sketch — more at scribe , -fy
transitive verb
1. : to make a number of cuts, scratches, or scars on: as
a. : to make a number of small incisions in (the superficial skin or mucous membrane) with a lancet or scarificator (as for drawing blood or inoculating)
b. : to mark with scars : cicatrize
2. : to lacerate the feelings of : censure mercilessly : flay
in a brilliant tirade … he denounces, scarifies, blasts the pedantic schoolmasters — Gilbert Highet
3. : to break up and loosen the surface of (as a field or road)
4. : to treat hard-coated seed) by mechanical abrasion or with acid to facilitate water absorption and hasten germination
intransitive verb
1. : to make cuts, scratches, or scars on skin or mucous membrane
2. : to subject a person to cutting criticism or some other painful experience
3. : to break up and loosen a hard surface
if the road has become deeply rutted or pitted it is necessary to scarify at least to the depth of the deepest holes — L.I.Hewes & C.H.Oglesby
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: scare (I) + -ify
dialect : scare , frighten