Emily Dickinson Lexicon

crucify, v. [OFr < L. cricificāre, fasten to a cross.] (webplay: life).

Impale; transfix on an X-shaped structure; put to death by nailing to a T-shaped cross; suspend on a wooden post by stretching arms on a crossbar; [fig.] subject one to torture; cause one to endure the extremities of mortal experience (see Matthew 27:22-23).