Flogging: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.