scourge scourge /ˈskɝːdʒ/

noun

1. () A whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)  ( flagellum , scourge )
   a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
   
2. A person who inspires fear or dread  ( scourge , threat , terror )
   a person who inspires fear or dread
    He was the terror of the neighborhood
   he was the terror of the neighborhood
   
3. Something causing misery or death  ( bane , curse , nemesis , scourge )
   something causing misery or death
    The bane of my life
   the bane of my life
   

verb

1. Cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly  ( desolate , lay waste to , ravage , devastate , scourge , waste , lay waste )
   cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
    The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion
   The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion
   
2. Whip  ( flagellate , scourge )
   whip
    The religious fanatics flagellated themselves
   The religious fanatics flagellated themselves
   
3. Punish severely; excoriate  ( scourge )
   punish severely; excoriate