excruciate

ex·cru·ci·ate

transitive verb \ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌāt\

ex·cru·ci·at·edex·cru·ci·at·ing

Definition of EXCRUCIATE

1

: to inflict intense pain on : torture

2

: to subject to intense mental distress

— ex·cru·ci·a·tion \-ˌskrü-shē-ˈā-shən, -sē-\ noun

Examples of EXCRUCIATE

1. <she has long been excruciated by a persistent pain in her knee>

Origin of EXCRUCIATE

Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare, from ex- + cruciare to crucify, from cruc-, crux cross

First Known Use: circa 1570

Related to EXCRUCIATE

Synonyms

agonize, anguish, bedevil, beset, besiege, curse, afflict, harrow, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture

Related Words

assail, attack; badger, dog, hound, pursue, ride; aggravate, agitate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, distress, disturb, exasperate, gall, get, grate, gripe, hagride, harass, harry, irk, irritate, molest, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex; discomfort, discompose, disquiet, fluster, grieve, perturb, strain, stress, trouble, try, upset, worry; crush, oppress, overpower, overwhelm, smite, strike, tyrannize, victimize; hurt, pain, pang, prick, smart, stab, sting, wring; martyr

Near Antonyms

abet, aid, assist, help; deliver, release, relieve, reprieve; comfort, console, content, quiet, solace, soothe, succor