noun
burning at the stake; execution by fire
Refers to the historical punishment of tying someone to a stake and burning them alive. Can also be used figuratively for severe criticism or a 'trial by fire'.
中世ヨーロッパでは、魔女とされた人が火あぶりにされた。
In medieval Europe, people accused of being witches were burned at the stake.
彼の新作は
His new work was roasted by the critics.
Compound of 火 (hi, 'fire') and 炙り (aburi, 'roasting', nominalized form of 炙る, 'to roast'). Literally 'fire-roasting', referring to execution by burning.