scourge
Scourge (noun) means a whip, especially one with several lashes, historically used to punish or torture. Example: “Prisoners were beaten with a scourge in medieval times.”
How to use scourge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a whip used for punishment, or — more commonly today — something that causes ongoing widespread harm, like a disease or war.
Word forms
scourged past tense, scourges plural, scourge plural, scourged plural, scourges singular, scourge singular, scourged singular, scourgest singular, scourgedst singular, scourgeth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Prisoners were beaten with a _____ in medieval times.
Etymology
From Old French forms tracing back to Latin excoriare, \"to strip the skin off,\" the same root that gives us excoriate.
Rhymes for scourge
See all rhymes for scourge →Frequently asked questions
What does “scourge” mean?
The word “scourge” means a whip, especially one with several lashes, historically used to punish or torture. In plain terms, either a whip used for punishment, or — more commonly today — something that causes ongoing widespread harm, like a disease or war.
How do you pronounce “scourge”?
“Scourge” is pronounced skurj (/skɜɹd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scourge” in a sentence?
Here is “scourge” used in a sentence: “Prisoners were beaten with a scourge in medieval times.”
What part of speech is “scourge”?
Depending on how it is used, “scourge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scourge” come from?
The word “scourge” comes from Latin. From Old French forms tracing back to Latin excoriare, \"to strip the skin off,\" the same root that gives us excoriate.
Is “scourge” a common word?
“Scourge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “scourge” have?
“Scourge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a whip, especially one with several lashes, historically used to punish or torture.