desolate vs scourge

desolate is not a noun while scourge is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
desolate	No	Yes	Yes	No
scourge	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, desolate and scourge are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of desolate include devastate, lay waste to, ravage, waste.

desolate (noun)	scourge (noun)
	a whip used to inflict punishment
	a person who inspires fear or dread
	something causing misery or death

desolate (adjective)	scourge (adjective)
crushed by grief
providing no shelter or sustenance

desolate (verb)	scourge (verb)
reduce in population	cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly	whip
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch	punish severely; excoriate