Crucifier

cru·ci·fy  (krs-f)

tr.v. cru·ci·fied, cru·ci·fy·ing, cru·ci·fies

1. To put (a person) to death by nailing or binding to a cross.

2. To mortify or subdue (the flesh).

3. To treat cruelly; torment: crucified the awkward child with teasing.

4. To criticize harshly; pillory: The media crucified the politician for breaking a campaign pledge.

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[Middle English crucifien, from Old French crucifier, alteration of Latin crucifgere : crux, cruc-, cross + fgere, to attach; see dhg^w- in Indo-European roots.]

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cruci·fier n.