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

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

Lanard said the single most important messaging task for Walensky is to acknowledge, “in a confident tone, with no self-flagellation, that many people have told her that her communications have been confusing and unclear.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 7, 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