self flagellation
/ˌsɛlfˌflædʒəˈleɪʃən/
noun
- The act of whipping or beating oneself, especially as a form of religious penance or discipline.
- Self-flagellation was once seen as a way to purify the soul.
- In some medieval traditions, monks practiced self-flagellation to show devotion.
- The historical account described self-flagellation during religious festivals.
- Figuratively, harsh self-criticism or blaming oneself excessively for mistakes or shortcomings.
- Her constant self-flagellation over a small mistake worried her friends.
- It's healthy to learn from failure without resorting to self-flagellation.
- After losing the game, the coach engaged in self-flagellation, blaming himself for every error.