scourge

/skˈɜːd‍ʒ/

/ˈskɝdʒ/

Scourge

a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

synonyms : flagellum

a person who inspires fear or dread

synonyms : terror

something causing misery or death

synonyms : bane

to scourge

MAIN VERB

cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly

synonyms : desolate

whip

synonyms : flagellate

punish severely; excoriate

Examples

1. One of the worst droughts in living memory scourged large parts of Africa, including Mozambique.

2. And one of Douglass' most famous late career speeches, he addressed address the scourge of black lynchings in the country.

3. Today, we face the scourge of terrorism.

4. Today, we face the scourge of terrorism.