1. the practice of self-inflicted whipping or beating as a form of religious penance or self-mortification
Usage: historical; religious context
2. excessive self-criticism or self-punishment, especially as a habitual or obsessive behavior
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Medieval flagellantism was practiced by some religious groups as a way to atone for sins.
• The flagellantism movement gained followers during times of plague and social crisis.
• Her constant flagellantism over minor mistakes made it difficult for her to enjoy her accomplishments.
• Historians study flagellantism to understand medieval religious practices and beliefs.
• The monk's flagellantism was seen as an extreme form of devotion by his contemporaries.
• Modern psychologists recognize that flagellantism, whether literal or figurative, can be a sign of deeper emotional issues.