Excoriate    (pronounced ek-skohr-ee-ayt or ek-skawr-ee-ayt) verb


Definition

1. to wear off or rub off the skin of; abrade; flay.    2. to criticize or reprimand severely; censure harshly; castigate or denounce.

Main Example

  • In an interview last month, retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, who is also a former Bush envoy to the Middle East, excoriated the Pentagon's planners for failing to anticipate the problems in post-war Iraq. When asked whether heads should roll, Zinni replied, "Absolutely!"

    Workplace Examples

  • To make this brainstorming session really worthwhile, please remember the ground rules: no idea is too outlandish, and no idea is out of bounds. Say whatever springs to mind without fear of being chastised or excoriated.

  • The plan was shot down instantly! In fact, the CEO was furious at Mark for even bringing up the idea, saying, "This is thoughtless. You can't get any dumber." I've never heard the CEO excoriate anyone in this manner.

    Other Examples

  • a company that encourages its employees to take risks and push the envelope by not disciplining or excoriating them for mistakes

  • a brash executive who is not given to tact and niceties and who will, therefore, not shy away from excoriating managers when they screw up

  • the excoriation of Tyco's former CEO in the media for looting the firm

  • Hollywood's excoriation by many leading Americans after an FTC study established that entertainment concerns aggressively target young children with slick advertising for products only suitable for adults

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Equanimity
    Idolatry and Idolatrous
    Galvanic and Galvanize
    Unalloyed
    Insular
    Perfunctory
    Realpolitik

    Now available on CD-ROM: Past editions of Words of the Month. Click here for more information.
    The Articulate Professional (1995 revised edition) also available. Click here for more information.

    Now get the CD-ROM and the book for only $27. Click here to order.
    *Price includes shipping in US/Canada.