Definition of scourge

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< scour

scouring rush >

scourge    (skûrj) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A source of widespread dreadful affliction and devastation such as that caused by pestilence or war.
2. A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment.
3. A whip used to inflict punishment.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
scourged, scourg·ing, scourg·es

1. To afflict with severe or widespread suffering and devastation; ravage.
2. To chastise severely; excoriate.
3. To flog.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Anglo-Norman escorge, from Old French escorgier, to whip, from Vulgar Latin *excorrigire : Latin ex-, intensive pref. ; see ex- + Latin corrigia, thong ( probably of Celtic origin)

OTHER FORMS:
scourger(Noun)