EXCORIATE: "Express strong disapproval of; Tear or wear off the skin"

The word "excoriate" is a verb that means to criticize or condemn severely, often involving strong disapproval or harsh language. It is commonly used when someone is being sharply rebuked or denounced for their actions, behavior, or decisions.

Etymology: The term "excoriate" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "excoriatus," which is the past participle of "excoriare." "Excoriare" is a compound of "ex" (meaning "out") and "corium" (meaning "skin" or "hide"). Therefore, the literal translation of "excoriate" from Latin is "to strip off the skin."

In its historical usage, the word had a more literal meaning related to removing the skin, but over time, its usage evolved to convey a metaphorical sense of severe criticism or condemnation.

Today, "excoriate" is predominantly employed in a figurative context, where it signifies the act of verbally stripping away layers to reveal and condemn perceived faults or shortcomings. It is often utilized in discussions related to critiques, reviews, or strong expressions of disapproval in various contexts, such as politics, journalism, and general commentary.

Sentences: 

1. The candidates have excoriated each other throughout the campaign.

2. Because of the bicycle accident, the poor child's hands and knees were excoriated.

3. After hours of snow shoveling in the bitter cold, his hands were excoriated and raw.

4. The CEO was excoriated by shareholders for the company's financial mismanagement.

5. The editorial excoriated the leaders for the decision to cut funding for public education.

   

excoriate, originally uploaded by Mnemonix.

Quotes: 

"History will forgive me or excoriate me, as is appropriate. I only wish it would forget me."
— Alexander Freed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Star Wars Novelizations, #3.5))