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Flogging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flogging

[ˈflɒɡɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

punishment

Flogging is a form of punishment in which a person is beaten with a whip or stick. It is typically used as a disciplinary measure or to inflict pain for a crime or offense.

Synonyms

beating, lashing, whipping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flogging

Often used in historical or legal contexts to describe a form of punishment where someone is hit repeatedly with a whip or stick.

  • The sailor received a severe flogging for disobedience
  • Historical accounts of flogging reveal its brutal nature
whipping

Typically refers to hitting someone with a whip, can also refer to victory or movement depending on the context.

  • The horse was encouraged to run faster with a light whipping
  • The team received a whipping in the game
lashing

Commonly associated with striking someone with a whip, often producing stripes or marks, used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • The prisoner was punished with a lashing
  • Her angry words felt like a verbal lashing
beating

A general term for hitting someone repeatedly, can be used in various contexts including everyday speech to describe physical aggression.

  • He received a beating from the bullies after school
  • The thief was given a beating by the shopkeeper

Examples of usage

  • The criminal received 50 lashes as flogging for his theft.
  • In some cultures, flogging is still practiced as a legal form of punishment.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

Flogging can also refer to the act of hitting or beating something repeatedly, such as waves flogging against a ship or wind flogging a flag.

Synonyms

beating, hitting, striking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flogging

Flogging usually refers to a form of punishment involving repeated beating or whipping. It is a term often associated with historical or severe forms of discipline.

  • The prisoner was subjected to a brutal flogging for his crimes.
  • In the past, sailors might receive a flogging as punishment for disobedience.
beating

Beating is a more general term for striking someone repeatedly and forcefully. It can refer to both formal punishments and informal acts of violence.

  • The gang gave him a severe beating as a warning.
  • Beating children as a form of discipline is both illegal and unethical.
hitting

Hitting implies striking someone or something with a hand or object. It can be an isolated incident rather than a sustained attack.

  • He was scolded for hitting his classmate during recess.
  • She hit the ball with all her strength.
striking

Striking means delivering a blow to someone or something. It is a formal term that can imply a single, strong, deliberate act.

  • The boxer was known for striking his opponents with precision.
  • The clock striking midnight signaled the end of the party.

Examples of usage

  • The flogging of the waves against the shore created a calming sound.
  • The wind flogged the sails of the ship, propelling it forward.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'flogging' comes from the Old English word 'floga,' which means 'to strike or beat.'
  • Flogging was often used as a form of punishment on ships during the 17th to 19th centuries, where sailors were whipped for various offenses.

Legal Context

  • In some countries, flogging is still a legal form of corporal punishment, though it is heavily criticized by human rights organizations.
  • Flogging is typically carried out in a public setting to serve as a deterrent for others.

Cultural Representations

  • Flogging has been depicted in various films and literature, often highlighting themes of injustice or brutality.
  • In classic literature, characters may face flogging as a symbol of their societal status and the moral dilemmas in their stories.

Psychological Impact

  • Experiencing flogging can lead to long-term psychological effects, including trauma and anxiety.
  • Studies show that physical punishment, like flogging, often results in increased aggression and fear in both the punisher and the punished.

Modern Perspectives

  • In contemporary discussions about discipline, flogging is seen as outdated and ineffective compared to more humane methods of discipline.
  • Many advocates for children's rights argue that any form of physical punishment, including flogging, is harmful and promotes violence.

Origin of 'flogging'

The word 'flogging' originated from the Middle English word 'floggen', which means 'to beat'. The practice of flogging as a form of punishment has been used throughout history in various cultures and legal systems. It has been a controversial method of discipline, with debates surrounding its effectiveness and ethical implications.

See also: flog.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,509, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.