Scarify - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Scarify means to make shallow cuts or scratches on a surface, often to prepare soil for planting or to break seed coats for better germination. It can also mean to criticize harshly.
Definition:
To make shallow cuts or scratches in something, especially to prepare soil for seeding.
Synonyms:
scratch, score, notch, incise
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
heal, mend
Common Collocations:
scarify the soil, scarify the surface, scarify before planting
Derivatives:
scarification, scarifier
Usage Tips:
Use 'scarify' when describing preparing soil or surfaces by making small cuts; avoid using it for deep wounds.
Common Phrases:
scarify the lawn, scarify the earth, scarify and aerate
Etymology:
From Old French 'scarifier,' derived from Latin 'scarificare,' meaning to scratch or etch lightly.
Examples:
- 1. The gardener will scarify the lawn to improve grass growth.
- 2. Farmers often scarify fields before sowing seeds for better germination.
- 3. You should scarify compacted soil to allow water and nutrients to penetrate.
- 4. The artist used a knife to scarify patterns into the clay surface.