scourge

(noun) a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor). Synonyms: flagellum.

(noun) something causing misery or death. Synonyms: bane, curse, nemesis. Example: "The bane of my life."

(noun) a person who inspires fear or dread. Synonyms: terror, threat. Example: "He was the terror of the neighborhood."

(verb) punish severely; excoriate.

(verb) whip. Synonyms: flagellate. Example: "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves."

(verb) cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly. Synonyms: lay waste to, waste, devastate, desolate, ravage. Example: "The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion."