Question

What does the word 'flagellate' mean as a verb?

1) To strike someone physically
2) To verbally abuse someone
3) To flog someone
4) To punish someone

Answer 1

As a verb, 'flagellate' typically means to flog someone, a practice once performed by medieval flagellants as penance. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'flagellate' as a verb has multiple meanings, but in the context provided, it most closely aligns with option 3: To flog someone. This definition arises from historical practices, notably among certain groups like the flagellants during medieval times, who would flog themselves publicly as a form of penance, believing it would atone for sins and avert divine retribution during events such as the plague.

It should not be confused with the biological term flagellum (plural: flagella), which refers to a long, whip-like structure used by certain cells for locomotion.

Hence, Option 3 is correct.