flagellate

verb

ˈfla-jə-ˌlāt How to pronounce flagellate (audio)
Definition of flagellatenext
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible some medieval monks believed it was necessary to flagellate themselves in order to keep their desires in check

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flagellate His only way of finding any kind of life for himself is to embrace evil, to stop running away from it, to try to stop morally flagellating himself. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026 Please, more of Isabella lightly teasing Marty about his tendency to flagellate himself while considering the agony of the human condition. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 In recent times, the series has been painstakingly flagellating itself for the past. — Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 Stephens would do well to stop flagellating himself and the Never Trumpers and instead join democracy advocates in defending the rule of law in a dangerous new world. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flagellate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagellate
  1. whip
  2. hide
  3. slash
  4. horsewhip
  5. lash
  6. leather
  7. flail
  8. flog
Verb
  • Fire crews scrambled late Saturday as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • His inclusion changes the historical record — and adds a dimension to the story of Jewish contributions to the game that has long been hiding in plain sight.
    — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The forthcoming exercise best examines where the Chiefs sit, at 5-1 with the most difficult part of their schedule waiting — because the best teams are not just about maximizing their strengths but hiding their flaws.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Butner slashed $30,000 off his asking price, but that generated only one offer, which fell through.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The bill slashed Medicaid funding by $1 trillion over the next 10 years, in part through new work and eligibility requirements.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of slash
Verb
  • In reality, Watson wasn’t a bar fighter or famous for horsewhipping cowboys.
    — Eliza McGraw, Smithsonian, 12 Mar. 2018
Definition of horsewhip
Verb
  • The snake tried to circle and squeeze, but the rat lashed with her claws and teeth.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • News of the briefing leaked, and the senators lashed out at the FBI, saying their efforts to scrutinize the Biden family had been discredited and falsely linked to Russian disinformation.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of lash
Verb
  • From pencil to pleated, mini to knee-length, sheer to leather, and understated to embellished — the skirt ruled the runway.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Those getting leathered up are Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Lily-Rose Depp, Doona Bae, Riley Keough, Chris Pine and Cate Blanchett.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of leather
Verb
  • And for the next 17 years, SunZia flailed, never even breaking ground.
    — Sara Herschander, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Seventh inning —That was an at-bat from the last season version of Pages, flailing at a pitch way out of the zone.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of flail
Verb
  • She has not been flogged but spent long periods in solitary confinement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • She hasn’t been flogged, but spent long periods in solitary confinement.
    — Amir-Hussein Radjy, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of flog

Browse Nearby Words

flag
flagellate
flagellated
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Cite this Entry

“Flagellate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagellate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flagellate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flagellate

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