Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Scourge \Scourge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scourged}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Scourging}.] [From {Scourge}, n.: cf. OF. escorgier.]
   1. To whip severely; to lash.

            Is it lawful for you to scourge a . . . Roman?
                                                  --Acts xxii.
                                                  25.

   2. To punish with severity; to chastise; to afflict, as for
      sins or faults, and with the purpose of correction.

            Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
            every son whom he receiveth.          --Heb. xii. 6.

   3. To harass or afflict severely.

            To scourge and impoverish the people. --Brougham.

Scourge \Scourge\, n. [F. escourg['e]e, fr. L. excoriata (sc.
   scutica) a stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriare to
   strip, to skin. See {Excoriate}.]
   1. A lash; a strap or cord; especially, a lash used to
      inflict pain or punishment; an instrument of punishment or
      discipline; a whip.

            Up to coach then goes The observed maid, takes both
            the scourge and reins.                --Chapman.

   2. Hence, a means of inflicting punishment, vengeance, or
      suffering; an infliction of affliction; a punishment.

            Sharp scourges of adversity.          --Chaucer.

            What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy
            afford false Clarence?                --Shak.

Source : WordNet®

scourge
     v 1: punish severely; excoriate
     2: whip; "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves" [syn:
        {flagellate}]
     3: devastate or ravage; "The enemy lay waste to the countryside
        after the invasion" [syn: {lay waste to}, {waste}, {devastate},
         {desolate}, {ravage}]

scourge
     n 1: a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic
          humor) [syn: {flagellum}]
     2: something causes misery or death; "the bane of my life"
        [syn: {bane}, {curse}, {nemesis}]
     3: a person who inspires fear or dread; "he was the terror of
        the neighborhood" [syn: {terror}, {threat}]