also: ぶち
A tool for striking, typically a long flexible implement. Can be literal or figurative.
The trainer cracked the whip.
encouragement; spur; goad; rebuke
Figurative use: something that motivates or drives a person, often through pressure or criticism. Can be positive (encouragement) or negative (harsh rebuke).
The trainer swung the whip to control the horse.
The teacher pointed at the blackboard with a pointer.
His words became a spur for me.
Failure sometimes serves as a good goad.
The teacher said the strict guidance was tough love.
He was struck with a whip as punishment.
The coach spurred the players on to keep practicing.
The jockey applied the whip to the horse's back.
励まし is gentle, supportive encouragement, whereas 鞭 in its figurative sense often implies motivation through pressure or harsh criticism.
Whips are counted with 本 because they are long, thin objects.
Usually written in kana; katakana spelling is common.
Kanji spelling, less common but still used.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Rare kanji form.
Rare kanji form.
Obsolete reading.
Native Japanese word. The kanji 鞭 is a Chinese character meaning whip, but the word itself is not a loanword. The reading ぶち is an older form.