What is the meaning of scourge?

noun

• A whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor.
  • synonyms: flagellum
• Something causing misery or death.
  • usage: "the bane of my life"
  • synonyms: bane, curse, nemesis
• A person who inspires fear or dread.
  • usage: "he was the terror of the neighborhood"
  • synonyms: terror, threat

verb

• Punish severely; excoriate.
• Whip.
  • usage: "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves"
  • synonyms: flagellate
• Cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly.
  • usage: "The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion"
  • synonyms: lay waste to, waste, devastate, desolate, ravage