flagellate
verb (used with object)
to whip; scourge; flog; lash.
flagellating
-
present participleof flagellate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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
A crawling, oozing, flagellating suite of microbial life is central to the plant’s work.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 12, 2017
She released a statement flagellating herself for including some choice phrasings Melania had highlighted for her.
From Slate ● Feb. 2, 2017
Assessor to him upon the box, sate an old fisherman who made himself useful to the concern by leaning forward and flagellating the wheel horses with one of the captured cart whips.
From Walladmor: And Now Freely Translated from the German into English. In Two Volumes. Vol. I. by Thomas De Quincey
