1. the act of whipping or beating, especially as a form of religious discipline or punishment
Usage: formal
2. severe criticism or harsh treatment
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The medieval monks practiced flagellation as a form of penance.
• Historical records describe flagellation as a common punishment in ancient times.
• The critic’s flagellation of the new policy was particularly harsh.
• Self-flagellation became a religious practice among certain sects.
• The author endured public flagellation for his controversial statements.
• Religious flagellation was believed to purify the soul through suffering.