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 critic excoriated the director’s latest film as pretentious and boring.
• The senator was excoriated by the press for his controversial remarks.
• The editorial excoriated the company’s environmental policies.
• The rough rope excoriated his hands during the climb.
• The patient’s skin was excoriated from constant scratching.
• Political commentators excoriated the candidate’s debate performance.
• The harsh chemicals excoriated the surface of the metal.