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flagellation

[flaj-uh-ley-shuh n]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR flagellation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of flagellating.

a masochistic or sadistic act in which the participants receive erotic stimulation from whipping or being whipped.

Origin of flagellation

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin flagellātiōn-, stem of flagellātiō. See flagellate, -ion

Related formsself-flag·el·la·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for self-flagellation

retribution, penitence, repentance, contrition, remorse, atonement, forgiveness, absolution, penance, compunction, mortification, sorrow, confession, compensation, rue, penalty, suffering, purgation, attrition, ruth

Examples from the Web for self-flagellation

Contemporary Examples of self-flagellation

Watching Federer play tennis is still a religious experience, in the self-flagellation sort of way.
Roger Federer’s U.S. Open Defeat Was Bad, but He’s Not Dead Yet
Sujay Kumar
September 3, 2013
When Meredith finally kicks Walter out, he resorts to self-flagellation before attempting to commit suicide.
Imaginary Friends in Movies
Marlow Stern
May 5, 2011
That kind of sex is drama sex, sex charged with regret and self-flagellation.
How I Transformed My Boyfriend Into a Booty Call
Kate Carraway
November 8, 2008

Word Origin and History for self-flagellation

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).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

self-flagellation in Medicine

flagellation

[flăj′ə-lā′shən]

n.

Whipping oneself or another as a means of arousing or heightening sexual feeling.

The flagellar arrangement on an organism.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.