~ 1 [ 'skarɪfʌɪ , 'skɛ:rɪ- ]
■ verb ( scarifies , ~ing , scarified )
1》 cut and remove debris from (a lawn).
2》 break up the surface of (soil or a road or pavement).
3》 make shallow incisions in (the skin), as a medical procedure or traditional cosmetic practice.
4》 criticize severely and hurtfully.
Derivatives
scarification noun
scarifier noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. scarifier , via late L. from Gk skariphasthai 'scratch an outline', from skariphos 'stylus'.
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~ 2 [ 'skɛ:rɪfʌɪ ]
■ verb ( scarifies , ~ing , scarified ) [usu. as adjective ~ing ] informal frighten.
Origin
C18: formed irregularly from scare .