Meaning & Definition of word "Scourge"

Scourge

/skɜːrdʒ/

1. A whip used as an instrument of punishment.
- Example: The prisoner was punished with a scourge for his misdeeds.
2. A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.
- Example: The drought was a scourge for the farmers in the region.
3. A source of widespread suffering or devastation.
- Example: War is often described as a scourge that devastates nations.

1. To whip (someone) as a punishment.
- Example: The captain scourged the mutinous crew as a stern warning.
2. To cause great suffering to; to afflict.
- Example: The disease scourged the population, leaving few uninfected.

Middle English 'scourge', from Old French 'escurge' (noun), from Latin 'excoricare' (to whip out), from 'ex-' (out) + 'coricare' (to whip).

scourge of society:

A person or thing that has a harmful effect on a community or group.

to scourge oneself:

To punish oneself severely, often in a self-destructive manner.

affliction:

Something that causes pain or suffering.

plague:

An epidemic disease that causes high mortality.

torment:

Severe physical or mental suffering.

Meaning: A person or situation that causes serious trouble.

Example Sentence: That ex-boyfriend is such a scourge, he always shows up at the worst times.

Meaning: Used to describe something that is overwhelming or difficult to deal with.

Example Sentence: This assignment is a scourge, it’s taking forever to finish.