scourge

1 of 2

noun

ˈskərj 

ˈskȯrj,

ˈsku̇rj

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

scourge

2 of 2

verb

scourged; scourging

transitive verb

1

: flog, whip

2

a

: to punish severely

b

: afflict

c

: to drive as if by blows of a whip

d

: chastise

scourger noun

Synonyms

Noun

• whip
• strap

Verb

• ravage
• destroy
• devastate

Examples of scourge in a Sentence

Noun

a city ravaged by the scourge of unemployment

The disease continues to be a scourge in the developing world.

Verb

a neighborhood scourged by crime

The prisoner was scourged with a whip.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations meets for a summit later this week in Malaysia, and the scourge of scam centers is likely to be a top issue on the agenda. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025

In August, Walmart saw solid gains on both its top and bottom lines, demonstrating the giant retailer’s ability to manage through the scourge of tariffs and navigate the uncertain economy. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Verb

These scourged the poor harder than anyone else. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025

Sylvia scourges herself with an intensity that would make hairshirted flagellants seem soft. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French escorge, from escorger to whip, from Vulgar Latin *excorrigiare, from Latin ex- + corrigia thong, whip

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scourge

• dirge
• merge
• purge
• serge
• splurge
• spurge
• sturge
• surge
• urge
• verge
• converge
• diverge

Kids Definition

scourge

1 of 2 noun

ˈskərj 

1

: whip entry 2 sense 1, lash

2

: someone or something that is an instrument of punishment or criticism

3

: affliction sense 2

scourge

2 of 2 verb

scourged; scourging

1

: to whip severely : flog

2

: to cause severe suffering to : devastate