Scourge
I think it could be either:
(Other definitions for whip that I've seen before include "Beat (cream)" , "Strip of leather with handle, for beating" , "Cat-o'-nine-tails" , "Party official; punish" , "MP enforcing discipline" .)
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">scourge</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(synonyms)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is all the clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for bane that I've seen before include "it causes misery" , "Something causing misery or distress" , "Cause of trouble or worry, like bean" , "scourge" , "Affliction, cause of distress" .)