crucify

Etymology

From Middle English crucifien, from Old French crucefier, from Late Latin crucificō, from Latin crucifigō.

verb

1. To execute (a person) by nailing to a cross.
2. (hyperbolic) To punish or otherwise express extreme anger at, especially as a scapegoat or target of outrage.
   After his public gaffe, he was crucified in the media.
   Having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. 1896 July 9, William Jennings Bryan, Cross of Gold speech
   I crucify myself, nothing I do is good enough for you / I crucify myself every day 1992, Tori Amos (lyrics and music), “Crucify”
3. (hyperbolic, informal, sports) To thoroughly beat at a sport or game.
   West Ham beat Manchester City five nil–they crucified them!