Scarify

['skærɪfaɪ;'skeərɪ-] or ['skɛrɪfaɪ]

Definition

(verb.) puncture and scar (the skin), as for purposes or tribal identification or rituals; 'The men in some African tribes scarify their faces'.

(verb.) break up; 'scarify soil'.

(verb.) scratch the surface of; 'scarify seeds'.

Edited by Ethelred--From WordNet

Definition

(v. t.) To scratch or cut the skin of; esp. (Med.), to make small incisions in, by means of a lancet or scarificator, so as to draw blood from the smaller vessels without opening a large vein.

(v. t.) To stir the surface soil of, as a field.

Checked by Basil

Synonyms and Antonyms

SYN:Cut, scratch, incise, Irritate, torment

ANT:Heal, salve, soothe, mollify, assuage

Typist: Stanley

Definition

v.t. to scratch or slightly cut the skin to make small cuts with a lancet so as to draw blood: to loosen and stir together the soil: to harrow the feelings:—pa.t. and pa.p. scar′ifīed.—ns. Scarificā′tion act of scarifying; Scarificā′tor an instrument with several lancets for scarifying or making slight incisions in the operation of cupping; Scar′ifier one who scarifies: an instrument used for scarifying the soil esp. a grubber with prongs.

Checked by Douglas