withering
adj.describing a look or a comment that is so sharp and critical it makes someone feel small or ashamed. It is like a plant drying up and dying because of the heat.
adj.intended to make someone feel humiliated or small; devastatingly critical. Often describes facial expressions, remarks, or glances that convey intense scorn.
“She gave him a withering look after his rude comment.”
“The director's withering critique of the lead actor's performance left the entire cast in an uncomfortable silence.”
“The senator's withering response to the proposed legislation dismantled the opposition's argument point by point, leaving little room for further debate.”
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'look', 'glance', 'remark', or 'critique'.
“Some might call it trash, but anyone addicted to the genre of club music best described as “withering woman sounds deathly unimpressed by you over crude beats” … it’s your lucky day.”
“To heighten the pressure on Diaz-Canel’s government, his administration has implemented a series of withering measures meant to destabilise the Cuban economy.”