scarify — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To remove thatch (build-up of organic matter on the soil) from a lawn, to dethatch.

2. To make scratches or cuts on.

   Examples

   A combing tool is used to scarify, cross-scratch, or score the surface of a scratch coat or undercoat of plaster.

3. To make scratches or cuts on. To damage the testa (seed coat) of a seed by cutting, scraping, chemicals, hot water, or fire to allow permeation of water and faster germination.

4. To make scratches or cuts on. To break up, loosen, or roughen the surface of a field or road or a hard surface.

5. To make scratches or cuts on. To scratch, etch, burn, or cut designs into one's skin as a form of body modification.

   Examples

   Stan tried to scarify his neck with a rope His plan kinda failed, but it would've been dope

6. To harrow the feelings.

   Usage

   • Figurative

7. To scar.

   Usage

   • nonstandard
   • Obsolete

8. Denude, or lay waste to.

   Usage

   • nonstandard
   • Obsolete

Verb

1. To frighten; to scare, to terrify.

   Usage

   • Uncommon

Verb

1. puncture and scar (the skin), as for purposes or tribal identification or rituals

   Broader terms

   puncture

   Examples

   The men in some African tribes scarify their faces

2. scratch the surface of

   Broader terms

   scorenockmark

   Examples

   scarify seeds

3. break up

   Broader terms

   loosen

   Examples

   scarify soil