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.

And at this precise moment, amid a coalition burned out on self-flagellation and ascetic living, a Totenkopf has been deemed forgivable.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Some of his self-flagellation feels unearned — which I suppose is often the case with self-flagellation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 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

“It is a self-flagellation at the official level,” said Michele H. Bogart, an art historian who specializes in public art.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2022

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