self-flagellation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At what point does continuing to stare down the abyss of this reality start to become self-flagellation?

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2025

Lorca, like many Filipino Catholic devotees, performs religious penance in the belief that the practice of self-flagellation can cleanse sins, cure illness and even grant wishes.

From Reuters • Apr. 6, 2023

She is not swayed by his new allyship and its accompanying self-flagellation, does not want to be stuck in the role of victim he is trying to assign her.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

There may be hard manual labor and a little self-flagellation, but sardonic laughter sometimes erupts within these walls, as do wittily barbed negotiations over money.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2021

But hey, slipping the note into the widows mailbox had always been more about self-flagellation than brotherly love.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx