1. past tense of scourge; whipped or beaten severely as punishment
Usage: historical; often in religious or legal contexts
2. past tense of scourge; caused great suffering or trouble to

Examples

• The prisoner was scourged before his execution.
• Jesus was scourged by the Roman soldiers.
• The region was scourged by drought for three consecutive years.
• Disease scourged the population during the medieval period.
• The corrupt officials scourged the innocent citizens with heavy taxes.
• War had scourged the countryside, leaving villages in ruins.