Flay
verb
To remove the skin from an animal or a person.
The hunters flay the deer to use its skin for clothing.
verb
To criticize someone harshly.
He was flayed by critics for his controversial remarks.
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To whip or lash someone, causing damage to their skin.
The prisoner was flayed as a punishment for his disobedience.
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To strip off or expose.
The harsh sunlight flayed the landscape, exposing the barren rocks.
verb
To remove the skin from an animal or a person.
The hunters flay the deer to use its skin for clothing.
verb
To criticize someone harshly.
He was flayed by critics for his controversial remarks.
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To whip or lash someone, causing damage to their skin.
The prisoner was flayed as a punishment for his disobedience.
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To strip off or expose.
The harsh sunlight flayed the landscape, exposing the barren rocks.
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Literal Meaning
Literally refers to skinning animals, often in historical or survival contexts.
They learned to flay fish in the wilderness survival course.
Pro Tip 2/2Harsh Reality
Used to imply a harsh or unpleasant task necessary for a purpose, like crafting.
Tanners flay hides as part of the leather-making process.
Pro Tip 1/2Literal Meaning
Literally refers to skinning animals, often in historical or survival contexts.
They learned to flay fish in the wilderness survival course.
Pro Tip 2/2Harsh Reality
Used to imply a harsh or unpleasant task necessary for a purpose, like crafting.
Tanners flay hides as part of the leather-making process.
Pro Tip 1/2Literal Meaning
Literally refers to skinning animals, often in historical or survival contexts.
They learned to flay fish in the wilderness survival course.
Pro Tip 2/2Harsh Reality
Used to imply a harsh or unpleasant task necessary for a purpose, like crafting.
Tanners flay hides as part of the leather-making process.
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Video examples
The rise and fall of the...
During their conquests, they used siege tactics and cruel punishments for those who opposed them, including impalement and flaying. The growth of their empire was due, in part, to their strategy of deporting local populations,
Video examples
The rise and fall of the...
During their conquests, they used siege tactics and cruel punishments for those who opposed them, including impalement and flaying. The growth of their empire was due, in part, to their strategy of deporting local populations,
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Damien Hirst
British Artist
I was brought up Catholic, and I felt the power of art from a very young age - seeing the brutality of all those images of flayed apostles and tortured saints was a pretty strong introduction.
Quote examples
August Strindberg
Swedish Dramatist
What an occupation! To sit and flay your fellow men and then offer their skins for sale and expect them to buy them.
Quote examples
Damien Hirst
British Artist
I was brought up Catholic, and I felt the power of art from a very young age - seeing the brutality of all those images of flayed apostles and tortured saints was a pretty strong introduction.
Quote examples
August Strindberg
Swedish Dramatist
What an occupation! To sit and flay your fellow men and then offer their skins for sale and expect them to buy them.
Example 1 of 2
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