Definition of flay

flayverb

Flay

/fleɪ//fleɪ/

The word "flay" has an origin that dates back to the Middle Ages. It comes from the Old French word "flaer," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "gelare," meaning to freeze or make stiff. In its original meaning, "flaer" referred to the process of stretching and curing animal hides to make leather. The stiffening process involved freezing the hides, which is where the name "gelare" comes from. Over time, the word "flay" in English took on a more gruesome connotation, as it came to refer to the act of removing the skin from a live animal, often as part of ritualistic or brutal practices. The use of "flay" in this sense can be traced back to the 14th century, and it has remained a gruesome word associated with violence and brutality ever since. However, its original meaning as a tanning process still persists in modern times, particularly in reference to the production of high-quality leather goods. Overall, the origin of "flay" is a fascinating example of how words can change their meanings and take on new connotations over time, reflecting the shifting values and attitudes of society.

Summary
type ngoại động từ
meaninglột da
meaningróc, tước, bóc (vỏ...)
meaningphê bình nghiêm khắc; mẳng mỏ thậm tệ
namespace

to remove the skin from an animal or person, usually when they are dead

loại bỏ da khỏi động vật hoặc người, thường là khi họ chết

Example:
  • The captured general was flayed alive.

    Vị tướng bị bắt đã bị lột da sống.

  • They flayed the skin from the flesh.

    Họ lột da khỏi thịt.

to hit or whip somebody very hard so that some of their skin comes off

đánh hoặc quất ai đó rất mạnh để một phần da của họ bong ra

to criticize somebody/yourself severely

chỉ trích ai/bản thân một cách nghiêm khắc

Example:
  • He flayed himself for his lack of tact.

    Anh ta tự lột da mình vì sự thiếu khéo léo của mình.

  • Her dark eyes flayed him.

    Đôi mắt đen của cô làm anh lóa mắt.

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