to execute (somebody) by fastening nailing or binding their hands and feet to a cross and leaving them to die
to cause (a person) anguish or agony to
The pain was crucifying
informal to defeat (a person or team) decisively
to condemn, ridicule, or criticize or ridicule (somebody) unmercifully
The critics would crucify us
[Middle English crucifien via Old Frenchfrom late Latin crucifigere: see crucifix]