WordNet sense 1 (something causes misery or death):

bane, curse, nemesis

WordNet sense 2 (a person who inspires fear or dread):

terror, threat

WordNet sense 3 (a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)):

flagellum

WordNet sense 4 (whip):

flagellate

WordNet sense 5 (devastate or ravage):

desolate, devastate, ravage, waste, desolate, lay waste to