English Synonym Finder

flay

Definitions

To strip the skin or outer covering from.

To criticize or scold someone severely or brutally.

Examples

The ancient hunters knew exactly how to flay the animal to preserve the quality of its hide.

The harsh critic did not hesitate to flay the director's latest film in his morning column.

The explorers were warned that the biting wind would flay the skin from their faces if they did not cover up.

Synonyms

skin peel strip excoriate scalp abrade criticize

Antonyms

cover clothe protect shield praise commend laud