torture
137
7.2
- noun
- /ˈtɔr.tʃɚ/
- Offensive
:
tortura
- The torture of waiting for the exam results was unbearable.
- mental torture
It's it's like torture to read it right.
- It's it's like torture to read it right.
- And I would say that's another form of, of torture.
- Imagine the kind of desperation torture that leads up to a decision like that.
- And if you print that real small, that is the new torture test for these printers.
Examples
-
Like one hour of solitude a day sounds like torture to some people, right?
-
Didn't he know what a torture it was for her to hear all the threats against him?
Fiction book (1994) -
This is torture for me.
-
After five years of this torture, Harry agreed to give me a get.
Fiction book (1994) -
This is supposed to be torture, not therapy.
-
His life for eight months was nothing but pure torture and suffering, and then it ended.
Fiction book (1995) -
I knew that nothing on earth could be as horrible as the eternal torture of hell.
Academic text (2002) -
The torture that she endured, all because of you.
-
When he was released from his torture, he was covered with welts.
Fiction book (1994) -
In other words, it is psychological torture and repression that he is inflicting on her.
Academic text (1997)
Synonyms
∞
3.7
A very painful or difficult experience
636
2.8
Pain and trouble that a person feels in the body or mind
187
5.6
Very cruel and violent actions that hurt people
151
8.1
A very cruel or violent act that shocks people, often against innocent people
135
3.9
A very strong physical or mental pain
129
3.2
Actions that hurt people or animals on purpose
96
6.8
A very strong, painful feeling of worry or sadness
70
5.6
Great physical or mental pain someone feels
4
7.0
Cruel treatment that hurts people or animals physically and emotionally
3
6.4
Cruel treatment of a person or animal, often over a long time
1
8.3
An act that causes someone great pain and suffering on purpose
The act of causing very severe pain to someone
Antonyms
Compounds
- Offensive
8
7.7
A room where people are made to feel pain to punish or force them to speak
A slow, very annoying experience that makes you feel anxious, like drops falling again and again
- Offensive
Harmful actions by government officials to force a person to confess in a court case
- Informal
A joking way to describe something very annoying or upsetting to experience
How Painful
Surface Forms
Etymology
Torture comes from the old Latin verb torquere, meaning 'to twist'. Think of pain as something that 'twists' the body or heart, which helps explain why torture means very great physical or emotional suffering.