scourge

US /skɝːdʒ/
UK /skɝːdʒ/
"scourge" picture
1.

a whip used as an instrument of punishment

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The ancient Romans used a scourge for flogging.
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He felt the sting of the scourge on his back.
:
whiplashcat-o'-nine-tailsflagellum
2.

a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering

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The disease was a scourge on the population.
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Poverty remains a scourge in many parts of the world.
:
banecurseplagueafflictiontorment
1.

to cause great suffering to

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The country was scourged by civil war for decades.
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He scourged himself for his sins.
:
whipfloglashchastisepunishtormentafflictplague