Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During the Ashura processions, which are held across the world, many participants beat their backs with chains, flagellating themselves in a symbolic expression of regret for not being able to help Hussein before his martyrdom.

From Washington Times • Aug. 19, 2021

The central composer was the twentieth-century Russian ascetic Galina Ustvolskaya, who wrote spiritual music of flagellating force.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 25, 2018

They’re basically condemning all the other guys in their society, but simply confessing, flagellating, putting on hair shirts, making conspicuous sacrifices, that helps our social capital in our peer group.

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2018

A crawling, oozing, flagellating suite of microbial life is central to the plant’s work.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2017

The man was evidently worn out and ill, and yet he had endeavored to hide the fact to save her concern, while she had found a most unbecoming pleasure in flagellating him.

From A Damaged Reputation by Bindloss, Harold