Flagellation
(noun)
The act of beating someone or oneself with a whip or stick as a form of punishment or self-discipline.
Origin:
Late middle english: from latin flagellatio(n-), from flagellare 'whip' (see flog).
Examples:
- Flagellation was a common form of punishment in ancient times.
- The monk subjected himself to flagellation as a form of penance.
- The flagellation left deep welts on the prisoner's back.
- Flagellation was used as a means of punishment in many cultures.
- The flagellation was performed in public as a deterrent to others.