Flagellation (or flogging) is the act of beating the human body, typically with implements such as whips, paddles, or canes. Yhere are also other specialised instruments for beating, including rods, switches, and the cat-o-nine-tails.
Flagellation can refer to:
- Corporal punishment by beating (see Spanking).
- The paraphilia of beating the body for erotic purposes.
- A practice of mortification of the flesh for religious purposes; examples include the Christian Flagellant movement of the thirteenth century and members of Opus Dei in the present day.