self-flagellation

noun

self-flag·​el·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌfla-jə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-flagellation (audio)
Synonyms of self-flagellationnext
: extreme criticism of oneself
self-flagellate
ˌself-ˈfla-jə-ˌlāt How to pronounce self-flagellation (audio)
verb

Examples of self-flagellation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Others, including Halverson, would like to see the self-flagellation calm down. — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2026 The same could be said for Howe’s lacerating self-flagellation afterwards. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 Both the criticism and self-flagellation imply that the act of claiming another person’s words can render these words deceitful, even if the words have been paid for and the content is true. — Emily Hodgson Anderson, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2026 Both the criticism and self-flagellation imply that the act of claiming another person’s words can render these words deceitful, even if the words have been paid for and the content is true. — Emily Hodgson Anderson, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-flagellation

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-flagellation was in 1925

Rhymes for self-flagellation

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Browse Nearby Words

self-finance
self-flagellation
self-flattering
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Cite this Entry

“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-flagellation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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