The correct answer is (C) lash; whip or lash used to punish or torture people; instrument of punishment; cause of affliction. Also, one who administers or applies punishment. In addition, any cause of vengeance or punishment on a large scale, as by conqueror, pestilence, war, etc.

Scourge comes from Old French escorgier, Latin escorge (ex- [out] and corrigia [whip]), escoriare.

Examples of use:

• What was termed the black plague became the scourge of Europe.
• Captain Francis Drake's exploits made him the scourge of Spanish shipping.