ex·cru·ci·ate [ ik skrshee àyt ](past and past participleex·cru·ci·at·ed, present participleex·cru·ci·at·ing, 3rd person present singularex·cru·ci·ates)
transitive verb
Definition:
1. torment somebody: to inflict severe mental and emotional distress on somebody
2. torture somebody: to inflict physical pain on somebody
[Late 16th century. < Latin excruciat-, past participle of excruciare "torture thoroughly" < cruciare "torture, crucify" < cruc- "cross"]
