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scourge
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1scourge

noun \ˈskərj also ˈskōrj, ˈskȯrj, ˈsku̇rj\

Definition of SCOURGE

1
: whip; especially : one used to inflict pain or punishment
2
: an instrument of punishment or criticism
3
: a cause of wide or great affliction
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Examples of SCOURGE

  1. a city ravaged by the scourge of unemployment
  2. The disease continues to be a scourge in the developing world.

Origin of SCOURGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French escorge, from escorger to whip, from Vulgar Latin *excorrigiare, from Latin ex- + corrigia thong, whip
First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SCOURGE

Synonyms
flogger, lash, whip, switch
Antonyms
benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

2scourge

transitive verb
scourgedscourg·ing

Definition of SCOURGE

1
: flog, whip
2
a : to punish severely
b : afflict
c : to drive as if by blows of a whip
d : chastise
— scourg·er noun

Examples of SCOURGE

  1. a neighborhood scourged by crime
  2. The prisoner was scourged with a whip.

First Known Use of SCOURGE

14th century

Related to SCOURGE

Synonyms
destroy, devastate, ruin, ravage

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