scarify Definition
- 1to make small cuts in the surface of something, especially soil, in order to help plants grow
- 2to criticize someone severely
Using scarify: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scarify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The gardener scarified the lawn before planting new grass.
Example
Scarifying the soil helps water and nutrients reach the roots of the plants.
Example
The coach scarified the team's performance after the loss.
Example
The teacher scarified the student's essay for its lack of coherence.
scarify Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with scarify
to cut the surface of the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate it
Example
Before planting the seeds, we need to scarify the ground.
scarify one's conscience
to cause oneself to feel guilty or remorseful by criticizing one's own actions or thoughts
Example
After realizing the harm he had caused, he scarified his conscience and apologized to those affected.
scarify someone's reputation
to damage or ruin someone's reputation by criticizing or exposing their faults or mistakes
Example
The journalist scarified the politician's reputation by revealing their involvement in a corruption scandal.
Origins of scarify
from Latin 'scarificare', meaning 'to make incisions'
Summary: scarify in Brief
The verb 'scarify' [ˈskerɪfaɪ] has two main meanings. The first refers to making small cuts in soil to help plants grow, as in 'The gardener scarified the lawn before planting new grass.' The second meaning is to criticize someone severely, as in 'The coach scarified the team's performance after the loss.' Other phrases include 'scarify the ground,' 'scarify one's conscience,' and 'scarify someone's reputation.'
