scathing
[ skey-thing ]
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Part of SpeechadjectiveOrigin + EtymologyExamples
Middle English; from Old Norse noun skathi and the verb skatha; related to the Dutch and German verb schaden
Synonyms
adjective
Antonymsbiting
caustic
harsh
mordant
sarcastic
scorching
searing
adjective
Definitioncalm
gentle
kind
mild
nice
praising
adjectivebitterly severe, as in a remark
adjectiveA) The critic was unimpressed and left a scathing review of the performance in their column. B) Her scathing remark, while not undeserved, really hurt her brother's feelings.
Usage Over Time