self-flagellation

noun

self-flag·​el·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌfla-jə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-flagellation (audio)
Synonyms of self-flagellationnext
: extreme criticism of oneself
self-flagellate
ˌself-ˈfla-jə-ˌlāt How to pronounce self-flagellation (audio)
verb

Examples of self-flagellation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rublev, 27 and the men’s world No. 9, is prone to fits of self-flagellation — often hammering at his body with his racket. — Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 The self-flagellation is uncomfortable and dark, and the instrumental’s whorl of warped voices, sax melodies, and bass lines intensifies the feeling that he is trapped within his choices. 17. — Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-flagellation was in 1925

Rhymes for self-flagellation

See All Rhymes for self-flagellation

Browse Nearby Words

self-finance
self-flagellation
self-flattering
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-flagellation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on self-flagellation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-flagellation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All