crucify

(verb) kill by nailing onto a cross. Examples: "Jesus christ was crucified."

(verb) treat cruelly. Synonyms: torment, rag, bedevil, dun, frustrate. Examples: "The children tormented the stuttering teacher."

(verb) hold within limits and control. Synonyms: mortify, subdue. Examples: "Subdue one's appetites." "Mortify the flesh."

(verb) criticize harshly or violently. Synonyms: savage, blast, pillory. Examples: "The press savaged the new president." "The critics crucified the author for plagiarizing a famous passage."