scathing, ppl. a.
(ˈskeɪðɪŋ)
[-ing2.]
1. That scathes or blasts (see scathe v. 2).
| 1794 Coleridge Monody Death Chatterton 51 The scathing lightning. 1813 Byron Corsair i. x, Mark how that lone and blighted bosom sears The scathing thought of execrated years! 1858 Gladstone Homer II. 180 He launches the scathing thunderbolt. |
2. Of invective, etc.: Very sharp and damaging; searing, ‘withering’, cutting.
| 1865 Lecky Ration. (1878) I. 251 Week after week he launched from the pulpit the most scathing invectives. 1893 Times 28 Apr. 9/4 Mr. Goschen's speech was a scathing exposure of the contrast between promise and performance. |
Hence ˈscathingly adv.
| 1847 Tait's Mag. XIV. 238 A feeling of his insignificance flashed scathingly on the quivering pride of Robert Anderson. 1868 E. Edwards Ralegh I. xxii. 497 That Duke of Savoy whom Milton has made scathingly famous. |