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
  • Now imagine whipping your phone out after work, telling the world about it, and landing a brand deal worth $10K or more.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Now imagine the same hot and dry conditions, but with the Santa Anas whipping at 40 miles an hour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Ambarchi is the director who makes occasional cameos, hiding with his guitar in the shadows until stepping forward only when necessary.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • As a result, they’re pressured to either increase prices or slash inventory and give consumers fewer choices.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • An increase to the benchmark interest rate aims to slash inflation by slowing the economy and eating away at demand, though the policy typically yields results after a lag time lasting several months.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 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
  • Most of the students were accused of minor offenses, like making threats, using cannabis vapes or lashing out at classmates or teachers, the analysis found.
    — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • More students ages 10 to 13 are ending up in the justice system after vaping, making threats and lashing out at school.
    — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 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
  • 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
  • There have been many instances where players will contort their body, flail around and insinuate hard contact leading to foul calls for years.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flagellate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flagellate

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