WordNet sense 1 (beat severely with a whip or rod):

flog, lash, lather, slash, strap, welt, whip, lather

WordNet sense 2 (come out better in a competition, race, or conflict):

beat, crush, shell, vanquish, beat out

WordNet sense 3 (censure severely or angrily):

berate, chide, jaw, lambast, lambaste, lecture, rag, rebuke, remonstrate, reprimand, reproof, scold, reproof, call on the carpet, dress down, bawl out, call down, chew out, chew up, have words, take to task