definition of
scourge

[1] #1 scourge n. [flagellum] a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor). wn

[2] #2 scourge v. punish severely; excoriate. wn

[3] #3 scourge n. [bane, curse, nemesis] something causing misery or death; "the bane of my life". wn

[4] #4 scourge v. [flagellate] whip; "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves". wn

[5] #5 scourge n. [terror, threat] a person who inspires fear or dread; "he was the terror of the neighborhood". wn