torture

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) 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.
2. (countable, uncountable) Severe pain or anguish, of mind or body.
3. (countable, uncountable) An unpleasant sensation or its infliction: embarrassment, heartache, etc.

Verb

To intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on (someone), usually with the aim of forcing confessions or punishing them.

Synonyms

torment

rack

agonize

pain

agony

excruciate

anguish

suffering

abuse

punish

harass

punishment

persecute

ill-treat

twisting

worry

torturing

overrefinement

hurt

harrow

straining

mistreat

distortion

harry

martyrdom

afflict

distress

maltreat

cause anguish

bully

prey on one’s mind

sheer hell

excruciation

bedevil

inflict

beat

suffer

crucify

mutilate

crucifixion

mishandle

ordeal

chivvy

martyrize

flog

martyr

misery

penalty

fash

falsification

Translations

torture

torturer

tortura

tortura

Folter

tortura

torturar

torturare

foltern

tourmenter

tortura

işkence

foltering

tormento

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈtoɹt͡ʃɚ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: torture

In summary

From Middle English torture, from Old French torture, from Late Latin tortūra (“a twisting, writhing, of bodily pain, a griping colic;” in Medieval Latin “pain inflicted by judicial or ecclesiastical authority as a means of persuasion, torture”), from Latin tortus (whence also tort), past participle of torquēre (“to twist”).

Sentences

The Palestinian Authority has reportedly practiced torture in the occupied territories over the years .