SCOURGE • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Scourge

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/skərdʒ/ Listen

noun

Scourge n.

A lash; a strap or cord; especially, a lash used to inflict pain or punishment; an instrument of punishment or discipline; a whip. "Up to coach then goes The observed maid, takes both the scourge and reins."

Hence, a means of inflicting punishment, vengeance, or suffering; an infliction of affliction; a punishment. "Sharp scourges of adversity." "What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?"

verb

Scourge v. t. (past & past part. scourged; pres. part. scourging)

To whip severely; to lash. "Is it lawful for you to scourge a... Roman?"

To punish with severity; to chastise; to afflict, as for sins or faults, and with the purpose of correction. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

To harass or afflict severely. "To scourge and impoverish the people."

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Etymology of 'Scourge'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Scourge" Quotes from Famous Books

... been the night before, they were wonderfully refreshed by their night's sleep. The weather was much more pleasant than it had been, and a brisk wind had driven off much of the smoke that still remained when they reached the Pratt farm as a reminder of the scourge of fire. So the conditions for walking were good, and Eleanor Mercer set a round, swinging pace as they ...

— The Camp Fire Girls on the March - Bessie King's Test of Friendship • Jane L. Stewart

... quietly, "that he is altogether too laudatory. He admires our best qualities so greatly that he does not scourge us for ...

— The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 77, March, 1864 • Various

... by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him and put him to death; and the third day ...

— The Good News of God • Charles Kingsley

... desired all the nations to come and eat of it,—to eat in peace and plenty, and not to be churlish to one another; and that if any such person should be found to be a disturber, I here lay down by the edge of the dish a rod, which you must scourge them with; and if your father should get foolish, in my old days, I desire you may use it upon ...

— From Farm House to the White House • William M. Thayer

... and unreasonable, in which there seemed hope of some such atonement, or expiation, as the same ascetic nature would once have found in fasting or the scourge, prevailed with her. She rose. "Mr. Libby," she panted, "if you will let me, I should like to go with you in your boat. Do you think it ...

— Henry James, Jr. • William Dean Howells

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