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Meaning of scathing
The primary meaning of the word "scathing" is extremely critical or harsh.
Etymology of scathing
The word "scathing" has its roots in the Old Norse word "skatha", meaning "to injure" or "to harm", and the Old English word "sceathan", meaning "to hurt" or "to injure".
Historically, the word "scathing" was used to describe something that caused physical harm or damage, but over time its meaning expanded to include verbal criticism or attacks that were severely damaging to someone's reputation or confidence.
Synonyms
severe
harsh
critical
biting
caustic
sarcastic
trenchant
acerbic
acidic
bitter
venomous
vicious
savage
brutal
merciless
ruthless
relentless
unforgiving
unyielding
stern
austere
rigid
stringent
exacting
demanding
cutting
incisive
piercing
sharp
keen
penetrating
withering
devastating
crushing
annihilating
pulverizing
demolishing
excoriating
lambasting
pillorying
castigating
chastising
reproaching
rebuking
reprimanding
admonishing
censuring
condemning
denouncing
vilifying
disparaging
belittling
demeaning
degrading
humiliating
mortifying
Definitions
- Extremely critical or harsh
- Severely damaging or destructive
- Having a withering or corrosive effect on someone's reputation or confidence
Usage Examples
- The scathing review of the restaurant left the owner feeling devastated and demoralized.
- The politician's scathing attack on her opponent's policies sparked a heated debate.
- The scathing criticism of the artist's latest work left him feeling humiliated and questioning his talent.
Antonyms
mild
gentle
kind
soft
soothing
comforting
reassuring
flattering
complimentary
praising
approving
encouraging
supportive
uplifting
heartening
cheering
buoyant
upbeat
optimistic
positive
benign
harmless
innocuous
neutral
lukewarm
tepid
moderate
restrained
subdued
muted
toned-down
understated
subtle
nuanced