Definition

1. Verb:

   • To whip or scourge, typically as a form of punishment, penance, or self-mortification. This action involves striking with or as if with a whip.

2. Adjective:

   • Possessing one or more flagella; resembling or shaped like a whip or lash. This term is primarily used in biological contexts to describe certain cells or microorganisms.

3. Noun:

   • A protozoan of the class Mastigophora, characterized by having one or more whip-like appendages (flagella) used for locomotion. Many are free-living, but some are parasitic pathogens.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • In some extreme sects, devotees would publicly flagellate themselves as an act of penance.
  • The cruel master threatened to flagellate the prisoner.

• Adjective:

  • Under the microscope, we observed the flagellate bacterium moving rapidly.
  • The flagellate structure of the sperm cell enables its motility.

• Noun:

  • The pond water sample was teeming with various flagellates and other microorganisms.
  • Trypanosomes are pathogenic flagellates that cause sleeping sickness.

Advanced Usage

• "to flagellate oneself": Often used metaphorically to describe engaging in excessive self-criticism or blame.
  • After the failed project, he continued to flagellate himself over every minor mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Flagellation (n): The act or practice of whipping, especially for religious discipline or sexual arousal.

  • The ritual involved acts of flagellation.

• Flagellum (n): (Plural: Flagella) A long, whip-like appendage that enables many protozoa, bacteria, and sperm cells to swim.

  • The bacterium uses its flagellum to propel itself through liquid.

Synonyms

• Verb: Whip, scourge, lash, flog, beat.
• Noun: Mastigophoran (technical term).

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form standard phrasal verbs. The verb is typically used transitively with a direct object.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms directly centered on the word "flagellate." The metaphorical use "to flagellate oneself" is the closest expression.)

Adjective

1. having or resembling a lash or whip (as does a flagellum)

Noun

1. a usually nonphotosynthetic free-living protozoan with whiplike appendages; some are pathogens of humans and other animals

Verb

1. whip
   • The religious fanatics flagellated themselves