scourge
NounTransitive Verb
Meanings
Noun
A person or thing that causes great trouble, suffering, or misfortune over a long period of time.
"The plague was the scourge of Europe for centuries."
Noun
A whip used for punishment, typically one with several leather thongs.
"The prisoner was beaten with a heavy scourge."
Transitive Verb
[~ something]
To cause great suffering or widespread devastation to a place or group of people.
"The region was scourged by famine and war."
Transitive Verb
[~ someone]
To whip someone as a form of punishment or penance.
"The ascetic scourged himself as an act of religious devotion."