flagellation
[flaj-uh-ley-shuh n]
- the act or process of flagellating.
- a masochistic or sadistic act in which the participants receive erotic stimulation from whipping or being whipped.
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Origin of flagellation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for flagellation
Contemporary Examples
When you've had your worst week of the campaign, to submit yourself to two or three more days of flagellation?
Historical Examples
Flagellation for thirty-three and a half days was held to purge from all sin.
FolkwaysWilliam Graham Sumner
Finally, we must behold: imprisonment by the authorities; the third degree and flagellation.
PenrodBooth Tarkington
Flagellation by itself was regarded as one of the lightest of penances.
Medival Heresy and the InquisitionA. S. Turberville
New pose; new start of the flagellation: finally the female opens.
The Natural Philosophy of LoveRemy de Gourmont
Henri returned, which was a signal for the flagellation to recommence.
Chicot the JesterAlexandre Dumas, Pere
Word Origin and History for flagellation
n.
early 15c., "the scourging of Christ," from French flagellation or directly from Latin flagellationem (nominative flagellatio) "a scourging," from past participle stem of flagellare (see flagellum).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
flagellation
(flăj′ə-lā′shən)- Whipping oneself or another as a means of arousing or heightening sexual feeling.
- The flagellar arrangement on an organism.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.