scarifier

verb (used with object), scar·i·fied, scar·i·fy·ing.

1. to make scratches or superficial incisions in (the skin, a wound, etc.), as in vaccination.
2. to lacerate by severe criticism.
3. to loosen (the soil) with a type of cultivator.
4. to hasten the sprouting of (hard-covered seeds) by making incisions in the seed coats.
5. to break up (a road surface).

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

1. surgery to make tiny punctures or superficial incisions in (the skin or other tissue), as for inoculating
2. agriculture
   1. to break up and loosen (soil) to a shallow depth
   2. to scratch or abrade the outer surface of (seeds) to increase water absorption or hasten germination
3. to wound with harsh criticism

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

1. (tr) informal to make scared; frighten

v.mid-15c., “make incisions in the bark of a tree,” from Middle French scarifier “score, scrape” (leather or hide), 14c., from Late Latin scarificare (see scarification). The sense “cover with scars” (1680s) is a sense-shift from influence of scar (v.). Related: Scarified; scarifier; scarifying. v.

1. To make shallow cuts in the skin, as when vaccinating.