flagellation
/fladʒəˈleɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
Flogging or beating, either as a religious discipline or for sexual gratification: pursuing the path of penance and flagellation...
- A great deal of screen time is taken up with the flagellation of Jesus.
- Acts of self-mortification such as the world-famous flagellations (self-beatings) and crucifixions are practiced by a minority of Filipinos.
- At twelve you are supposed to be aware of sin, which I was, so I attended every single flagellation in the hopes of cleansing myself.
Synonyms
flogging, whipping, beating, scourging, lashing, birching, switching, tanning, strapping, belting, caning, thrashing, flailing, flaying, welting, horsewhipping, spanking;
sadomasochism, S & M, SM, algolagnia