also: ぶち
noun
A tool for striking, typically a long flexible implement. Can be literal or figurative.
調教師がムチを鳴らした。
The trainer cracked the whip.
noun
A rigid stick used for pointing, support, or punishment. Less common than the whip sense.
先生がムチで黒板を指した。
The teacher pointed at the blackboard with a pointer.
noun
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).
彼の言葉が私にとってムチになった。
His words became a spur for me.
失敗は時に良いムチとなる。
Failure sometimes serves as a good goad.
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.