scourge

noun

A source of widespread dreadful affliction and devastation such as that caused by pestilence or war.

noun

A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment.

noun

A small whip used to inflict punishment.

transitive verb

To afflict with severe or widespread suffering and devastation; ravage.

transitive verb

To chastise severely; excoriate.

transitive verb

To flog.

To whip with a scourge; lash; apply the scourge to.

To punish with severity; chastise or correct; afflict for sins or faults, and for the purpose of correction.

To afflict greatly; harass; torment.

noun

A whip for the infliction of pain or punishment; a lash. See flagellum, 1.