Crucifying: meaning, definitions and examples

⛓️
Add to dictionary

crucifying

 

[ˈkruːsɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

religious

To put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross or to crucify.

Synonyms

execute, hang, martyr.

Examples of usage

  • They were accused of crucifying the innocent man.
  • The Romans used crucifying as a form of punishment.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To criticize harshly or torment someone emotionally.

Synonyms

attack, condemn, criticize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
crucifying

Use 'crucifying' when describing the act of subjecting someone to intense and harsh criticism or punishment, often unnecessarily severe. (negative connotation)

  • The media is crucifying the politician for his minor mistake.
  • The coach was crucifying the players for their poor performance.
criticize

Use 'criticize' when pointing out the flaws or shortcomings in someone or something, typically in a more general and less aggressive manner.

  • She criticized his work but offered helpful feedback.
  • The movie was criticized for its lack of originality.
condemn

Use 'condemn' when expressing strong disapproval or moral judgment, often in formal or official contexts.

  • The government condemned the acts of violence.
  • The community leaders condemned the hate speech.
attack

Use 'attack' in situations where someone is being verbally or physically aggressive.

  • He attacked her ideas during the meeting.
  • The journalist was attacked for his provocative article.

Examples of usage

  • The media was crucifying the politician for his controversial statements.
  • She felt like she was being crucified by her classmates for making a mistake.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice traces back to the ancient world, particularly the Romans who used it as a method of execution.
  • It became particularly infamous because of its association with the death of Jesus, which is central to Christian beliefs.
  • Records show it was used as a deterrent against rebellion and crime because of its brutal nature.

Literature

  • In various literary works, the concept symbolizes extreme suffering, often used to illustrate sacrifice or betrayal.
  • Famous authors, like Fyodor Dostoevsky and John Milton, have invoked themes of anguish that relate to the concept.
  • The word often appears in metaphors, representing emotional or psychological pain felt by characters.

Cultural Impact

  • Crucifixion remains a powerful symbol in modern art, representing themes of suffering, redemption, and faith.
  • It has influenced music and film, contributing to narratives of self-sacrifice or martyrdom.
  • The visual of the cross is widely recognized and is often used in discussions about morality and justice.

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, the crucifixion is seen as central to the belief in resurrection and eternal life.
  • It’s commemorated on Good Friday, a day of reflection and mourning for Christians.
  • The image of the crucified figure is often used in religious art as a powerful symbol of suffering and hope.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Metaphorically, the term can describe the feeling of being overwhelmed or excessively judged, as if under a heavy burden.
  • It can also refer to public shaming or social ostracism, akin to a modern-day 'social crucifixion'.
  • In psychology, understanding the weight of such experiences can help in addressing trauma and resilience.

Translations

Translations of the word "crucifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crucificando

🇮🇳 सलीब पर चढ़ाना

🇩🇪 kreuzigen

🇮🇩 menyalibkan

🇺🇦 розпинати

🇵🇱 krzyżować

🇯🇵 磔にする (haritsukeni suru)

🇫🇷 crucifier

🇪🇸 crucificar

🇹🇷 çarmıha germek

🇰🇷 십자가에 못 박다 (sibjaga-e mot bagda)

🇸🇦 صلب (ṣalb)

🇨🇿 křižovat

🇸🇰 križovať

🇨🇳 钉十字架 (dīng shízìjià)

🇸🇮 križati

🇮🇸 krossfesta

🇰🇿 айқашқа шегелеу (ayqasqa shegeleu)

🇬🇪 ჯვარცმა (jvarcma)

🇦🇿 çarmıxa çəkmək

🇲🇽 crucificar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,616, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.