Flagellate
verb
To whip or lash someone as a punishment.
The criminal was flagellated in public as a consequence of his crimes.
Often appears as...
- publicly flagellate
- self-flagellate
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Relating to or characteristic of a flagellum, a long, whip-like structure that allows some cells and microscopic organisms to move.
The flagellate bacteria move by whipping their long flagella back and forth.
Often appears as...
- flagellate bacteria
- flagellate protozoa
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A type of microscopic creature that moves by whipping a part of itself called a 'flagellum'.
The scientist observed the movement of the flagellate under the microscope.
Often appears as...
- single-celled flagellate
- aquatic flagellate
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To whip or lash someone as a punishment.
The criminal was flagellated in public as a consequence of his crimes.
Often appears as...
- publicly flagellate
- self-flagellate
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Relating to or characteristic of a flagellum, a long, whip-like structure that allows some cells and microscopic organisms to move.
The flagellate bacteria move by whipping their long flagella back and forth.
Often appears as...
- flagellate bacteria
- flagellate protozoa
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A type of microscopic creature that moves by whipping a part of itself called a 'flagellum'.
The scientist observed the movement of the flagellate under the microscope.
Often appears as...
- single-celled flagellate
- aquatic flagellate
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Originally, 'flagellate' described physical punishment in historical or religious contexts.
Medieval laws often prescribed that thieves be flagellated in the town square.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
'Flagellate' can evoke strong emotions, alluding to violence and cruelty.
The harsh treatment could almost be described as a flagellation.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it can mean to criticize or chastise harshly.
The media flagellated the politician for his controversial statements.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Originally, 'flagellate' described physical punishment in historical or religious contexts.
Medieval laws often prescribed that thieves be flagellated in the town square.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
'Flagellate' can evoke strong emotions, alluding to violence and cruelty.
The harsh treatment could almost be described as a flagellation.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it can mean to criticize or chastise harshly.
The media flagellated the politician for his controversial statements.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Originally, 'flagellate' described physical punishment in historical or religious contexts.
Medieval laws often prescribed that thieves be flagellated in the town square.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
'Flagellate' can evoke strong emotions, alluding to violence and cruelty.
The harsh treatment could almost be described as a flagellation.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it can mean to criticize or chastise harshly.
The media flagellated the politician for his controversial statements.
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Quote examples
Chris Ofili
English Artist
Death & the Roses' came out of ideas about flagellation and guilt and from looking at Piero della Francesca's 'The Flagellation of Christ.
Quote examples
Noel Coward
English Playwright
Squash - that's not exercise, it's flagellation.
Quote examples
Chris Ofili
English Artist
Death & the Roses' came out of ideas about flagellation and guilt and from looking at Piero della Francesca's 'The Flagellation of Christ.
Quote examples
Noel Coward
English Playwright
Squash - that's not exercise, it's flagellation.
Example 1 of 2
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