self-flagellation
noun
self-flag·el·la·tion
ˌself-ˌfla-jə-ˈlā-shən 
: extreme criticism of oneself
Examples of self-flagellation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
A little self-flagellation can be fun, but a Goofus-and-Gallant dynamic develops between Simone and Gigi that unbalances the drama.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
Some of the attendees catch on and quickly bolt, but there’s still a small group left when Walsh pulls out a box of whips and paddles so that people can engage in self-flagellation.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
At launch, there are two online multiplayer modes that ratchet up the competitive spirit beyond basic self-flagellation.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2024
In Trump’s fateful moment, all his endless self-flagellation about how strong and tough he is consolidated into a single iconic image that goes far beyond capturing everything that he’s ever said about his own courage.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2024
The movement was also the first among Palestinian groups to adopt Shiite rituals such as Day of Ashura, which includes self-flagellation, a practice never before observed in the Gaza Strip.
—Ehud Yaari, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2015
The goal is self-improvement, not self-flagellation.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2023
When his mother uses the incorrect pronouns, her dramatic self-flagellation reorients the situation so Sam must comfort her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The default demeanor that accompanies Murray’s grueling physical play has always looked something like misery, peppered with a near-constant verbal self-flagellation that pulls spectators into his battle.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 July 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
Some of the attendees catch on and quickly bolt, but there’s still a small group left when Walsh pulls out a box of whips and paddles so that people can engage in self-flagellation.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
At launch, there are two online multiplayer modes that ratchet up the competitive spirit beyond basic self-flagellation.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2024
In Trump’s fateful moment, all his endless self-flagellation about how strong and tough he is consolidated into a single iconic image that goes far beyond capturing everything that he’s ever said about his own courage.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2024
The movement was also the first among Palestinian groups to adopt Shiite rituals such as Day of Ashura, which includes self-flagellation, a practice never before observed in the Gaza Strip.
—Ehud Yaari, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2015
The goal is self-improvement, not self-flagellation.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2023
When his mother uses the incorrect pronouns, her dramatic self-flagellation reorients the situation so Sam must comfort her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The default demeanor that accompanies Murray’s grueling physical play has always looked something like misery, peppered with a near-constant verbal self-flagellation that pulls spectators into his battle.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 July 2023
Dictionary Entries Near self-flagellation
Cite this Entry
“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-flagellation. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share