Scarifying (verb)
Definition: to make scratches or superficial incisions in (the skin, a wound, etc.), as in vaccination or to break up (a road surface).
Source: Dictionary.com
Found in: “Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
“… ugly scarifying quarrels which even at this far-off time caused an uncontrollable shudder, her own childish self-effacement, the savage unkindness of her stepbrothers and sisters, and the jealous, malicious hatred of her mother’s husband.”
By reading the definition and the passage the word Scarifying is used like breaking out for her mellow mood into a savage
