scathe

American  

[skeyth] / skeɪð /

verb (used with object)

scathed, scathing

1. to attack with severe criticism.

2. to hurt, harm, or injure, as by scorching.

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noun

1. hurt, harm, or injury.

scathe British  

/ skeɪð /

verb

1. rare to attack with severe criticism

2. archaic to injure

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noun

1. archaic harm

Other Word Forms

• scatheless adjective
• scathelessly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scathe

before 1000; (noun) Middle English scath ( e ), scade, schath ( e ) < Old Norse skathi damage, harm, cognate with Old English sc ( e ) atha malefactor, injury (with which the Middle English forms with sch- might be identified); (v.) Middle English scath ( e ), skath ( e ) < Old Norse skatha, cognate with Old English sceathian

Example Sentences

Amorim was axed after a turbulent 14 months in charge at Old Trafford culminated with his scathing criticism of the United hierarchy last weekend.

From Barron's

Ratcliffe has been publicly scathing of some of United's transfer dealings prior to his arrival but the jury is still out on incomings on his watch.

From Barron's

“The Award” is a scathing satire of the publishing world.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the population so low, commercial salmon fishing has been closed for the last three years — earning Bonham scathing criticism.

From Los Angeles Times

Lawler took his scathing rebuke to the House floor, again calling it “idiotic.”

From Salon