Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of whipping or flogging as a form of punishment: "Flagellation" refers to the practice of beating a person, typically on the back, with a whip, rod, or similar instrument, often as a judicial or disciplinary penalty.
   • The practice of whipping oneself or another for religious or erotic stimulation: In specific contexts, "flagellation" denotes the ritualistic or voluntary act of whipping, either as a form of religious penance (e.g., self-flagellation) or for sexual arousal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In some ancient societies, flagellation was a common punishment for minor crimes.
  • The monk practiced flagellation as an extreme form of religious devotion and self-mortification.
  • Historical accounts describe the public flagellation of prisoners.

Advanced Usage

• "Self-flagellation": The act of whipping or scourging oneself, typically for religious reasons or as an expression of intense guilt or remorse.
  • His constant self-criticism bordered on emotional self-flagellation.

Variants and Related Words

• Flagellate (verb): To whip or scourge.
  • Some religious sects flagellate themselves during processions.
• Flagellant (noun): A person who engages in flagellation, especially for religious reasons.
  • The flagellants marched through the town, performing public penance.

Synonyms

• Flogging: Beating with a whip or lash.
• Whipping: Striking repeatedly with a flexible rod or whip.
• Scourging: A severe form of whipping, often with a multi-thonged whip.
• Lashing: A blow with a whip.

Related Phrases

• "To undergo flagellation": To be subjected to whipping as a punishment or ritual.
  • The convict was sentenced to undergo flagellation.

Noun

1. beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment
2. beating as a source of erotic or religious stimulation