Torture
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈtoɹt͡ʃɚ/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Torture is a noun meaning Severe pain or anguish, of mind or body.
Meaning
Severe pain or anguish, of mind or body.
More Meanings
- (in figurative or extended use) An unpleasant sensation or its infliction: embarrassment, heartache, etc.
- (transitive) To intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on (someone), usually with the aim of forcing confessions or punishing them.
- The infliction of severe pain or anguish, especially as an interrogation technique or punishment; (usually in the plural) a technique, method, or device which is designed to inflict such anguish.
Example Sentences
What new tortures await me?
People confess to anything under torture.
Every time she says 'goodbye' it is torture!
Using large dogs to attack bound, hand-cuffed prisoners is clearly torture.
Word Forms
- tortures
- torturing
- tortured
Synonyms for torture
Depending on context, synonyms include torment, excruciate, anguish, rend, difficulty, distress.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include excruciate, agony, anguish, distortion, straining, overrefinement.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.