excoriate
verb
To criticize severely; to censure harshly. Originally meant to strip off skin or abrade the surface.
Etymology
From Latin "excoriatus," past participle of "excoriare" (to strip off the hide), from "ex" (off) + "corium" (hide, leather). Harsh criticism "strips hide."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"Critics excoriated the policy as shortsighted and harmful."
- 2.
"The editorial excoriated officials for their handling of the crisis."
- 3.
"She was excoriated for breaking with party tradition."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The medical meaning—removing skin—came first. The rhetorical meaning developed because truly harsh criticism feels like having one's skin stripped away, exposing raw vulnerability beneath.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (E, X, C, O, R, I, A, T, E)
Scrabble Value: 18 points
Tip: Words ending in "TE" are often good scoring opportunities.
Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!
Ready to find words like "excoriate" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!