1. to criticize someone or something very harshly
Usage: formal
2. to wear away or remove the skin from something by rubbing or scraping
Usage: medical; formal

Examples

• The newspaper editorial excoriated the mayor for his handling of the crisis.
• Critics excoriated the film for its poor acting and weak plot.
• The senator was excoriated by his colleagues for breaking party lines.
• The rough rope excoriated his hands during the climb.
• The patient’s skin was excoriated from constant scratching.
• Political commentators excoriated the candidate’s controversial remarks.
• The harsh chemicals excoriated the surface of the metal.