cru·ci·fy tr.v. cru·ci·fied, cru·ci·fy·ing, cru·ci·fies
1. To mortify or subdue (the flesh). 2. To treat cruelly; torment: 3. To criticize harshly; pillory --Free Dictionary online
Crucifixion was a terrifying, barbaric punishment for going against the will of the state. The use of this archaic, cruel format of punishment was to subjugate those witnessing the horror as much as it was to punish the victim. The product of the punishment wasn’t even the castigation of the accused. It warned the populace: “yield to MY will or you’re next.”
