scarify

1 of 2

verb (1)

scar·​i·​fy ˈsker-ə-ˌfī 

scarified; scarifying

transitive verb

1

: to make scratches or small cuts in (something, such as the skin)

scarify an area for vaccination

2

: to lacerate the feelings of

3

: to break up, loosen, or roughen the surface of (something, such as a field or road)

4

: to cut or soften the wall of (a hard seed) to hasten germination

scarifier

ˈsker-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

scarify

2 of 2

verb (2)

scarified; scarifying

transitive verb

: scare, frighten

scarifyingly

ˈsker-ə-ˌfī-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

You get two words for the price of one with scarify. The first scarify appeared in English in the 15th century with the meaning "to make scratches or cuts in" and later developed a figurative application of "cutting" someone emotionally. This word is ultimately derived from a Greek verb meaning "to scratch an outline." The second homograph turned up in the late 18th century and gained currency by the 20th century. This scarify was formed by combining scare with -ify, possibly as a combination of scare and terrify, and it predictably means "to scare or frighten."

Synonyms

Verb (2)

• affright
• alarm
• alarum
• fright
• frighten
• horrify
• panic
• scare
• shock
• spook
• startle
• terrify
• terrorize

Examples of scarify in a Sentence

Verb (2)

that foolish woman would be scarified by a mouse

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some will confine their mess to pixels, but surely others will scarify the walls and stain the floors. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Sep. 2021

And some on the platform feel free enough to verbally poke a pop star or scarify Spotify. —Bill Hochberg, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English scarifien, from Middle French scarefier, from Late Latin scarificare, alteration of Latin scarifare, from Greek skariphasthai to scratch an outline, sketch — more at scribe

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1785, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

scarify

verb

scar·​i·​fy

ˈskar-ə-ˌfī,

ˈsker-

scarified; scarifying

: to make scratches or small cuts in

Medical Definition

scarify

transitive verb

scar·​i·​fy ˈskar-ə-ˌfī, ˈsker- 

scarified; scarifying

: to make scratches or small cuts in (as the skin)

scarify an area for vaccination