scourge meaning and definition

SCOURGE noun

Definition of scourge (noun)

1. a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
   • synonyms: flagellum
2. something causing misery or death
   • "the bane of my life"
   • synonyms: bane, curse, nemesis
3. a person who inspires fear or dread
   • "he was the terror of the neighborhood"
   • synonyms: terror, threat

SCOURGE verb

Definition of scourge (verb)

1. punish severely; excoriate
2. whip
   • "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves"
   • synonyms: flagellate
3. cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
   • "The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion"
   • synonyms: desolate, devastate, lay waste to, ravage, waste