WITHERING

[adjective]We only managed to walk a few steps before collapsing in the withering heat.He made a withering attack (= severe and critical) on government policy.The march turned into a scene of bloody pandemonium as the protesters ran to escape the withering (= very heavy and severe) (gun)fire.(figurative) The coach is under withering fire from (= being severely criticized by) the media for the team's poor performance.(figurative) A withering look/remark/etc. is one that is intended to make someone feel ashamed.She shot him a withering glance as he made fun of her habit of falling asleep in meetings.The committee treated his proposal with withering contempt/scorn.