This is the 11606th most frequent Spanish word.
flagelo
A scourge; a source of suffering or great harm.
Here, 'flagelo' is used metaphorically to refer to a widespread and severe hardship or affliction.
El flagelo de la pobreza afecta a millones de personas en todo el mundo.
The scourge of poverty affects millions of people around the world.
In this sentence, 'flagelo' describes a severe event or condition causing widespread suffering.
La plaga fue un verdadero flagelo para la población durante esa época.
The plague was a true scourge for the population during that time.
Here, 'flagelo' is used literally to mean a type of whip or lash utilized for corporal punishment.