Pillorying
/ˈpɪlərɪɪŋ/noun
Present participle of pillory: to subject someone to public humiliation or mockery.
Did you know?The original pillory was a physical restraint used in public squares, so the modern metaphor of “pillorying” someone preserves the old idea of making shame visible to everyone.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
pila
“pillar, post, or column”
Old French
Old French
pilori
“A framework or post used as a punishment device”
Middle English
English
pillorie
“A wooden framework for public punishment and exposure”
Modern English
English
pillory
“To expose to public ridicule or abuse; originally to place in the pillory”
Modern English
English
pillorying
“Subjecting someone to public humiliation or criticism”