flagellation
noun
flag·el·la·tion
ˌfla-jə-ˈlā-shən 
: the act or practice of flagellating
especially
: the practice of a flagellant
Examples of flagellation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Black Death and its aftermath saw a great resurgence of apocalyptic flagellation, with thousands of adherents flogging themselves up and down the Continent (the movement failed to take off in England, which figures).
—
Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The objective feels different — ritual exposure, the kind of public flagellation conspiracy theorists insist Hollywood elites must endure for continued relevance.
—Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Jang does spare young viewers the gore of the protagonist’s flagellation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Justification, not evisceration or flagellation.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flagellation
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Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The objective feels different — ritual exposure, the kind of public flagellation conspiracy theorists insist Hollywood elites must endure for continued relevance.
—Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Jang does spare young viewers the gore of the protagonist’s flagellation.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Justification, not evisceration or flagellation.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flagellation
Cite this Entry
“Flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagellation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flagellation
1 of 2 noun
flag·el·la·tion
ˌflaj-ə-ˈlā-shən
: the practice of a flagellant
flagellation
2 of 2 noun
: the formation or arrangement of flagella
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