# crucified

/ˈkɹusəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /kɹˈuːsɪfˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crucified
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

feeling extremely upset, embarrassed, or treated very unfairly by others. It can also describe someone who was killed by being tied or nailed to a cross in ancient times.

For teachers: subjected to severe criticism, public humiliation, or intense suffering; also refers to the historical execution method of being fastened to a cross. Often used as a participial adjective to describe a state of emotional devastation.

## Examples

- The politician felt crucified by the harsh media reports.
- After the team lost the championship due to his mistake, the young goalkeeper felt absolutely crucified by the local fans.
- The director felt crucified by the critics' unanimous rejection of his passion project, which he had spent nearly a decade developing under intense personal and financial pressure.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'be', or 'look' when used in the figurative sense of being unfairly judged.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.