1. to attack or criticize someone harshly and publicly
Usage: past tense of pillory
2. to punish someone by putting them in a pillory (a wooden frame with holes for the head and hands)
Usage: historical; past tense of pillory

Examples

• The politician was pilloried in the press for his controversial remarks.
• Critics pilloried the movie for its poor acting and weak plot.
• She was pilloried on social media after her insensitive comments went viral.
• The CEO was pilloried by shareholders following the company’s massive losses.
• In medieval times, criminals were pilloried in the town square as punishment.
• The corrupt official was pilloried before being banished from the city.
• Environmental groups pilloried the company for its pollution practices.