This literal meaning refers to cutting or stripping skin or hide from flesh.
The hunters flayed the animal after the hunt.
The old account describes prisoners being flayed.
This meaning refers to striking so severely that the skin is injured, or causing a similarly painful effect.
The historical text says the prisoner was flayed with a whip.
The storm seemed to flay exposed skin with sand.
This figurative meaning refers to verbally attacking, exposing, or criticizing someone without mercy.
Reviewers flayed the film for its weak script.
The opposition flayed the government over the decision.
