1. [n]  a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
2. [n]  a person who inspires fear or dread; "he was the terror of the neighborhood"
3. [n]  something causes misery or death; "the bane of my life"
4. [v]  whip; "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves"
5. [v]  punish severely

Scourge
Tucker, a biological and chemical weapons expert, describes the near-eradication of smallpox, a fatal natural epidemic. After finally eliminating its natural manifestations in 1980, scientists began to manufacture the disease for use as a weapon. Tucker explains the disease, its history, and the possibilities the future holds for it.

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1. \Scourge\, n. [F. escourg['e]e, fr. L. excoriata (sc.
   scutica) a stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriare to
   strip, to skin. See {Excoriate}.]
   1. A lash; a strap or cord; especially, a lash used to
      inflict pain or punishment; an instrument of punishment or
      discipline; a whip.
            Up to coach then goes The observed maid, takes both
            the scourge and reins.                --Chapman.
   2. Hence, a means of inflicting punishment, vengeance, or
      suffering; an infliction of affliction; a punishment.
            Sharp scourges of adversity.          --Chaucer.
            What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy
            afford false Clarence?                --Shak.
   

2. \Scourge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scourged}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Scourging}.] [From {Scourge}, n.: cf. OF. escorgier.]
   1. To whip severely; to lash.
            Is it lawful for you to scourge a . . . Roman?
                                                  --Acts xxii.
                                                  25.
   2. To punish with severity; to chastise; to afflict, as for
      sins or faults, and with the purpose of correction.
            Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
            every son whom he receiveth.          --Heb. xii. 6.
   3. To harass or afflict severely.
            To scourge and impoverish the people. --Brougham.