Crucify
/ˈkruː.sɪ.faɪ/noun
To execute someone by nailing or binding them to a cross.
Did you know?The term 'crucifixion' was not only a form of punishment but also a method of public humiliation, often used to discourage rebellion against Roman authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to turn, bend, or twist.”
Latin
Latin
cruciare
“to torture or torment on a cross.”
Old French
Old French
crucifier
“to execute by crucifixion.”
Middle English
Middle English
crucifien
“to put to death on a cross.”
Modern English
English
crucify
“to execute by nailing to a cross.”