# crucify

/ˈkɹusəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /kɹˈuːsɪfˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crucify
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

to criticize someone very strongly and publicly. In sports, it means to beat an opponent so badly that they have no chance to win.

For teachers: to subject someone to intense public criticism or to defeat an opponent decisively. In a sporting context, it implies a total and overwhelming victory that leaves the opponent with no hope of recovery.

## Examples

- The fans will crucify the team if they lose this game.
- After the referee made a controversial call, the local media decided to crucify him for the rest of the season.
- The underdog team managed to crucify the reigning champions in the final minutes, turning a narrow deficit into a lopsided victory that stunned the entire league.

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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.