Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Scathe \Scathe\ (sk[=a][th]; 277), Scath \Scath\ (sk[a^]th;
   277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scathed} (sk[=a][th]d or
   sk[a^]tht); p. pr. & vb. n. {Scathing} (sk[=a][th]"[i^]ng or
   sk[a^]th"-).] [Icel. ska[eth]a; akin to AS. scea[eth]an,
   sce[eth][eth]an, Dan. skade, Sw. skada, D. & G. schaden, OHG.
   scad[=o]n, Goth. ska[thorn]jan.]
   To do harm to; to injure; to damage; to waste; to destroy.

         As when heaven's fire Hath scathed the forest oaks or
         mountain pines.                          --Milton.

         Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.
                                                  --W. Irving.

Source : WordNet®

scathing
     adj : marked by harshly abusive criticism; "his scathing remarks
           about silly lady novelists"; "her vituperative railing"
           [syn: {blistering}, {scalding}, {vituperative}]