Scourge definition

Scourge

Topics Scourge Definition

WordNet

(1) A whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

(2) A person who inspires fear or dread

"He was the terror of the neighborhood"

(3) Something causes misery or death

"The bane of my life"

(4) Devastate or ravage

"The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion"

(5) Whip

"The religious fanatics flagellated themselves"

(6) Punish severely; excoriate

WiktionaryText

From Old French , from Vulgar Latin excorrigiāre, consisting of ex- +

A persistent pest, illness, or source of trouble, (figurative) cause of suffering to people.

Graffiti is the scourge of building owners everywhere.
A whip often of leather.

He flogged him with a scourge.