This is the 12087th most frequent Russian word.
избивали
"Beaten" or "were beating."
The word 'избивали' is used to mean 'were beating' and shows repeated or habitual action in the past.
В детстве его часто избивали во дворе.
In childhood, he was often beaten in the yard.
The word 'избивали' is used in a question to query about the possibility of past action.
Избивали ли его за то, что он отличался от других?
Did they beat him because he was different from others?
The word 'избивали' describes an ongoing action in the past up until a certain point.