scarify1
/
ˈskarɪfʌɪ,
ˈskɛːrɪ-/
v.
(scarifies, scarifying, scarified)
- cut and remove debris from (a lawn).
- break up the surface of (soil or a road or pavement).
- make shallow incisions in (the skin), as a medical procedure or traditional cosmetic practice.
- criticize severely and hurtfully.
Derivative
- scarification n.
- scarifier n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. scarifier, via late L. from Gk skariphasthai ‘scratch an outline’, from skariphos ‘stylus’.
scarify2
/
ˈskɛːrɪfʌɪ/
v.
(scarifies, scarifying, scarified)
[
usu. as adj. scarifying]
informal frighten.
Etymology
C18: formed irregularly from scare.