/ ˈkruːsɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb ( cru·ci·fies , cru·ci·fy·ing , cru·ci·fied , cru·ci·fied ) [ vn ]
1.
to kill sb as a punishment by fastening them to a wooden cross
2.
( informal ) to criticize or punish sb very severely :
The prime minister was crucified in the press for his handling of the affair.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French crucifier , from late Latin crucifigere , from Latin crux , cruc- cross + figere fix. Compare with crucifix .