Flagellation
/ˌflædʒəˈleɪʃən/noun
The act of whipping or scourging, especially as a religious penance or sexual practice.
Did you know?In medieval Christianity, self-flagellation was practiced by penitential groups who believed bodily suffering could imitate Christ’s Passion and avert divine punishment.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
flagellāre
“to whip or scourge”
Classical Latin
Latin
flagellum
“a whip or scourge, especially a multi-thonged instrument”
Late Latin
Latin
flagellātiō
“the act of whipping or scourging”
Medieval Latin
Latin
flagellatio
“religious scourging or corporal punishment”
14th Century
English
flagellation
“the act of whipping or scourging”
Modern English
English
flagellation
“whipping, particularly as religious penance or a sexual practice”