excruciating

adjective

ex·​cru·​ci·​at·​ing ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌā-tiŋ 

1

: causing great pain or anguish : agonizing

the nation's most excruciating dilemma

—W. H. Ferry

2

: very intense : extreme

excruciating pain

excruciatingly

ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌā-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• agonizing
• harrowing
• racking
• raging
• tormenting
• torturing
• torturous
• wrenching

Examples of excruciating in a Sentence

I have an excruciating headache.

an excruciating moment of embarrassment

They described their vacation in excruciating detail.

Recent Examples on the Web

At Smith’s trial, jurors were shown excruciating footage of Smith torturing Henry. —Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

The series is riveting, excruciating, and, at times, headspinningly meta: one scene involves his boyfriend, Mike, realizing that he’s being lied to because of the way a crew member rushes in for a closeup. —The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2024

In fact, any workout that deviated from my regular routine would feel almost excruciating. —Will Stone, NPR, 29 Mar. 2024

The game was both riveting and excruciating to watch. —EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024

All of these, incidentally, are problems that will prove particularly excruciating for urban drivers who cannot easily charge their cars at home. —The Editors, National Review, 22 Mar. 2024

Ultimately, the relief of finally having answers about her excruciating pain—and being able to treat it—inspired her to share her story and reassure others who might be going through their own issues with endometriosis. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Mar. 2024

Finally, after a few more excruciating moments, Love Is Blind's Trevor was released from the couches. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024

Infants that survive can suffer from deformed bones, excruciating pain or brain damage, and some struggle to hear, see or breathe. —Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 4 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

excruciating

adjective

ex·​cru·​ci·​at·​ing

ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌāt-iŋ

1

: causing great mental or physical pain : agonizing

excruciating torture

an excruciating decision to leave

2

: very severe

excruciating pain

excruciatingly

-iŋ-lē

adverb

Etymology

derived from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare "to torture," from ex- "out of, from" and cruciare "to torment, crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" — related to cross, crucial, crucify