Pronunciation: [ɛkskˈɔːɹɪˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Excoriate is a verb that means to criticize severely or to remove the skin from. It is pronounced as /ɪkˈskɔːrɪeɪt/ with stress on the second syllable. The letter 'x' represents the phoneme /ks/ while 'c' is pronounced as /s/. 'O' is pronounced as /ɔː/ and 'a' as /eɪ/. The suffix '-ate' is pronounced as /eɪt/. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the presence of the letter 'c' and the silent 'e' at the end.
Excoriate is a verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context. It primarily refers to the act of severely criticizing or condemning someone or something, typically done in a harsh or vehement manner. When someone is excoriated, they are publicly or vehemently chastised, often with the intention of correcting their behavior or publicly shaming them. This can also mean to reprimand, berate, or denounce someone severely, exposing their faults or inadequacies.
Excoriate can also be used with the meaning of physically damaging or wearing away the skin. In a medical or dermatological context, it refers to the act of abrading or removing the outer layer of the skin, usually as a result of irritation or injury. It can also mean to strongly rub, scrape, or scratch the skin, leading to skin damage or irritation.
In a figurative sense, excoriate can also describe an intense emotional response, such as feeling extremely irritated, frustrated, or angered. This can be used to convey the intensity of one's reaction or the severity of their emotional distress.
In conclusion, excoriate is a versatile verb that can describe the act of severely criticizing or condemning someone, damaging or irritating the skin, or expressing intense emotional distress.
To scrape away or otherwise remove the epidermis, leaving a raw surface.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To wear or strip off the skin; to break the skin by rubbing; to gall or abrade.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "excoriate" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin verb "excoriare", which is derived from "ex" (meaning "out") and "corium" (meaning "skin" or "hide"). The verb "excoriare" literally means "to strip off the hide" or "to flay". Over time, the word was adopted into English, and its meaning expanded to include not only the literal act of stripping off skin but also the metaphorical act of severely criticizing or condemning someone.
