Giving lashes is a term typically used to describe the act of punishing someone physically through striking them repeatedly, often with a whip or similar implement. Alternatively, the phrase "giving lashes" could be used more figuratively to describe someone verbally scolding or berating someone else. There are many synonyms for this term depending on its specific usage, including beating, whipping, caning, thrashing, spanking, chiding, reprimanding, scolding, rebuking, and admonishing. Each of these words carries its own connotations and nuances, but all share the idea of applying some form of punishment or correction to another person.