scourge

¹scourge

noun
\ˈskərj also ˈskōrj, ˈskȯrj, ˈsku̇rj\

Definition of SCOURGE

1

: whip; especially : one used to inflict pain or punishment

2

: an instrument of punishment or criticism

3

: a cause of wide or great affliction

Examples of SCOURGE

1. a city ravaged by the scourge of unemployment
2. The disease continues to be a scourge in the developing world.

Origin of SCOURGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French escorge, from escorger to whip, from Vulgar Latin *excorrigiare, from Latin ex- + corrigia thong, whip

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SCOURGE

Synonyms: flogger, lash, whip, switch

Antonyms: benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall

Related Words: birch, blacksnake, bullwhip, cat-o'-nine-tails, cowhide, crop, hickory, knout, quirt, rattan, rawhide, strap; bastinado (or bastinade), bat, baton, billy, billy club, bludgeon, cane, club, cudgel, flail, nightstick, staff

Near Antonyms: ransomer, redeemer, vindicator

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier