1. to criticize someone or something very harshly
Usage: formal
2. to scrape or wear away the skin
Usage: medical; formal

Examples

• The critic excoriates the director’s latest film in her review.
• The senator excoriates his opponent’s voting record during the debate.
• The editorial excoriates the company’s environmental practices.
• The rough rope excoriates his hands as he climbs.
• The journalist excoriates the government’s handling of the crisis.
• The tight shoes excoriated her heels during the long walk.