0 to use a scarifier (= a tool with sharp points) to break up and remove unwanted grass or plants that are covering the surface of a lawn (= an area of grass):
1 to make small cuts in someone's skin, especially for cultural reasons:
2 to break into the surface of the outer part of a seed, either by cutting it or using chemicals, in order to help it to germinate (= start to grow):
3 to express strong disapproval of someone, especially in an unpleasant or cruel way:
He scarified our leading politicians, seizing upon their vulnerable points with a destructive analysis that left them bereft of merit or morality.
His scarifying essays were capable of destroying literary reputations.
This tool saves all the hard work involved in scarifying a lawn by hand.
As well as scarifying to clear out thatch, we aerate to let air into the turf.
