scourge

a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

something causing misery or death; "the bane of my life"

a person who inspires fear or dread; "he was the terror of the neighborhood"

punish severely; excoriate

whip; "The religious fanatics flagellated themselves"

cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly; "The enemy lay waste to the countryside after the invasion"