The crossword solution for the term 'criticized severely' is 'SKEWERED, ' which is an 8-letter word. SKEWERED is a term used to describe something that has been harshly criticized or attacked, usually in a public setting. It is derived from the image of a skewer, which is a long, thin metal rod used to hold food together while it is cooked. In this context, it implies that the criticism was so severe that it felt like it was piercing through the person being criticized.