Excoriate
hardNegative toneEK-skor-ee-ayt
verb
Definition
To criticize severely; to strip off the skin
Memory hook
EX-CORE-IATE: strip down to the CORE — to criticize so severely it feels like skinning alive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The editorial excoriated the government for its inaction.”
“Critics excoriated the film as pretentious and hollow.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The editorial ______ the government for its inaction.”
Show answer
excoriated
Categories
GRE Tip
Excoriate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "castigate" or "lambaste" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "praise".
Related GRE Words
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
objurgate
To rebuke severely; to scold harshly
vituperate
To blame or insult someone in strong or violent language
castigate
To criticize or reprimand severely
chastise
To rebuke or reprimand severely; to punish
lambaste
To criticize harshly; to berate
Master excoriate and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.