1
[ verb ] puncture the skin, as, for example, in some African cultures; for ritual purposes

Used in print

(S. J. Perelman, The Rising Gorge. New York:...)

I learned , for_example , that he made a practice of yapping at dogs he encountered and , in winter , of sprinkling salt on the icy pavement to scarify their feet .

Related terms

puncture

2
[ verb ] puncture and scar (the skin), as for purposes or tribal identification or rituals

Examples

"The men in some African tribes scarify their faces"

Related terms

scar puncture scar

3
[ verb ] scratch the surface of

Examples

"scarify seeds"

Related terms

score

4
[ verb ] break up, of soil

Related terms

loosen

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