self-flagellation
noun
self-flag·el·la·tion
ˌself-ˌfla-jə-ˈlā-shən 
: extreme criticism of oneself
Examples of self-flagellation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The goal is self-improvement, not self-flagellation.
—
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2023
When his mother uses the incorrect pronouns, her dramatic self-flagellation reorients the situation so Sam must comfort her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The default demeanor that accompanies Murray’s grueling physical play has always looked something like misery, peppered with a near-constant verbal self-flagellation that pulls spectators into his battle.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 July 2023
The church’s new attention to its complex past is not an exercise in self-flagellation, Waters said, but rather an acknowledgment that its story — and Boston’s, too — are more layered and fraught than many people realize.
—Brian MacQuarrie, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
With Swift neglecting to deliver the performative self-flagellation fans were asking for, some of them took matters into their own hands.
—Vulture, 3 June 2023
The Santuario was built by Don Bernardo Abeyta, a member of the Penitente Brothers, a Catholic lay order once known for extreme acts of penance including self-flagellation.
—David Kelly, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2023
They were morbidly preoccupied by willed starvation, rags, straw beds, self-flagellation.
—Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023
Church leaders in the Philippines have frowned on the crucifixions and self-flagellations, saying Filipinos can show their deep faith and religious devotion without hurting themselves and by doing charity work instead, such as donating blood.
—Jim Gomez, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2023
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2023
When his mother uses the incorrect pronouns, her dramatic self-flagellation reorients the situation so Sam must comfort her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The default demeanor that accompanies Murray’s grueling physical play has always looked something like misery, peppered with a near-constant verbal self-flagellation that pulls spectators into his battle.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 July 2023
The church’s new attention to its complex past is not an exercise in self-flagellation, Waters said, but rather an acknowledgment that its story — and Boston’s, too — are more layered and fraught than many people realize.
—Brian MacQuarrie, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
With Swift neglecting to deliver the performative self-flagellation fans were asking for, some of them took matters into their own hands.
—Vulture, 3 June 2023
The Santuario was built by Don Bernardo Abeyta, a member of the Penitente Brothers, a Catholic lay order once known for extreme acts of penance including self-flagellation.
—David Kelly, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2023
They were morbidly preoccupied by willed starvation, rags, straw beds, self-flagellation.
—Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023
Church leaders in the Philippines have frowned on the crucifixions and self-flagellations, saying Filipinos can show their deep faith and religious devotion without hurting themselves and by doing charity work instead, such as donating blood.
—Jim Gomez, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-flagellation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near self-flagellation
Cite this Entry
“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-flagellation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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