flagellation       
noun [ U ]  formal uk/ˌflædʒ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/ us/ˌflædʒ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/
 (尤指某些宗教活动或性行为中的)鞭打
the practice of whipping yourself or someone else, especially as a religious practice, for punishment, or for sexual pleasure
  Ancient monks advocated flagellation as the path to salvation. 古代的僧侣们主张把鞭刑作为救赎的途径。 
 See: flagellate
 - More examples
 - The book is an account of the use of flagellation for discipline.
 - There is a custom of self-punishment, in the form of flagellation during the Holy Week ceremonies.
 - He saved the prisoner from flagellation.
 - sexual flagellation