Scourge: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about something that causes great suffering or pain, especially in a widespread manner. It conveys a more historical or dramatic tone.

• The Black Death was a scourge that decimated Europe's population.
• Corruption has become a scourge on the political system.

Used when discussing a widespread affliction or calamity, particularly one that feels uncontrollable. Often related to diseases or widespread issues.

• The town was plagued by locusts.
• Unemployment has become a plague in the region.

Appropriate when referring to a condition or suffering, especially a long-term one. Often used in medical or tragic contexts.

• She lived with the affliction of arthritis for many years.
• Poverty is an affliction that affects millions.
• His affliction was invisible, but deeply felt.

Used to describe something causing harm or misfortune, often attributed to a supernatural cause or fate. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The ancient artifact was said to bring a curse upon anyone who possessed it.
• He considered his family's bad luck to be a curse.

Best used when referring to something that causes persistent trouble or annoyance. Often in a more colloquial or less severe context.

• Traffic jams are the bane of my daily commute.
• Mosquitoes are the bane of summer evenings.

Use this word when referring to a source of great pain or suffering, often on a larger scale. It can also refer to a person or thing that causes trouble or suffering.

• Disease has been a scourge on humanity for centuries.
• The dictator was a scourge to freedom and democracy.

This term is specific to using a whip to beat someone or something. It is similar to 'flog' but can also be used in non-punitive contexts, like herding animals.

• The cowboy used a whip to drive the cattle.
• Slaves were often whipped as punishment.

This is a more general term that can refer to any method of penalizing someone for an offense or wrongdoing. It doesn't specify how the punishment is delivered.

• The teacher will punish any student who cheats on the test.
• Criminals are punished according to the law.

This word is used when referring to the act of beating someone with a whip or stick as a form of severe physical punishment. It has a strong and often negative connotation.

• In the past, sailors were often flogged for insubordination.
• The prisoner was flogged as punishment for his crimes.

This word fits best in situations involving verbal reprimand or criticism, usually for minor mistakes or misdeeds. It has a milder connotation compared to physical punishment.

• She chastised her son for not doing his homework.
• The teacher chastised the students for talking during the exam.