Thesaurus results for FLAGELLATE

flagellate

verb

ˈfla-jə-ˌlāt

Definition of flagellate

as in to whip

to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible some medieval monks believed it was necessary to flagellate themselves in order to keep their desires in check

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flagellate His only way of finding any kind of life for himself is to embrace evil, to stop running away from it, to try to stop morally flagellating himself. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026 Please, more of Isabella lightly teasing Marty about his tendency to flagellate himself while considering the agony of the human condition. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 In recent times, the series has been painstakingly flagellating itself for the past. — Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 Stephens would do well to stop flagellating himself and the Never Trumpers and instead join democracy advocates in defending the rule of law in a dangerous new world. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flagellate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagellate

Verb

Fire crews scrambled late Saturday as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.

— Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of whip

Verb

Working in quick, gentle strokes, Abrams used her brush and sprayer to peel away dirt hiding the floral details on Eliza’s grave before moving to the next.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The subsequent furor is about hiding it from the public and about a brazen plea to keep the Democratic Party and three of its candidates from advertising those facts.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of hide

Verb

As a result, they’re pressured to either increase prices or slash inventory and give consumers fewer choices.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
An increase to the benchmark interest rate aims to slash inflation by slowing the economy and eating away at demand, though the policy typically yields results after a lag time lasting several months.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of slash

Verb

Most of the students were accused of minor offenses, like making threats, using cannabis vapes or lashing out at classmates or teachers, the analysis found.

— Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
More students ages 10 to 13 are ending up in the justice system after vaping, making threats and lashing out at school.

— Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of lash

Verb

From pencil to pleated, mini to knee-length, sheer to leather, and understated to embellished — the skirt ruled the runway.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Those getting leathered up are Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Lily-Rose Depp, Doona Bae, Riley Keough, Chris Pine and Cate Blanchett.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of leather

Verb

Seventh inning —That was an at-bat from the last season version of Pages, flailing at a pitch way out of the zone.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
There have been many instances where players will contort their body, flail around and insinuate hard contact leading to foul calls for years.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of flail

Browse Nearby Words

flag

flagellate

flagellated

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Style

“Flagellate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagellate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flagellate

verb

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