scourge: Meaning and Definition of

scourge

Pronunciation: (skûrj), [key]
— n., v., scourged, scourg•ing.
—n.
  1. a whip or lash, esp. for the infliction of punishment or torture.
  2. a person or thing that applies or administers punishment or severe criticism.
  3. a cause of affliction or calamity: Disease and famine are scourges of humanity.
—v.t.
  1. to whip with a scourge; lash.
  2. to punish, chastise, or criticize severely.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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