torture

noun

tor·ture | \ ˈtȯr-chər

Definition of torture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding) to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure

2a : something that causes agony or pain

b : anguish of body or mind : agony

3 : distortion or overrefinement of a meaning or an argument : straining

torture

verb

tortured; torturing\ ˈtȯrch-riŋ

, ˈtȯr-chə- \

Definition of torture (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause intense suffering to : torment

2 : to punish or coerce by inflicting excruciating pain

3 : to twist or wrench out of shape : distort, warp

Other Words from torture Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about torture

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Choose the Right Synonym for torture

Verb

afflict, try, torment, torture, rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress. ills that afflict the elderly try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. children often try their parents' patience torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. a horse tormented by flies torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. tortured by a sense of guilt rack stresses straining or wrenching. a body racked by pain

Examples of torture in a Sentence

Noun

Waiting is just torture for me. Listening to him can be torture.

Verb

The report revealed that prisoners had been repeatedly tortured. Don't torture yourself over the mistake.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Syrian government did not respond to a request for comment on the German lawsuit or historical allegations of torture. — Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, "Germany seeks arrest of leading Syrian general on war crimes charges," 8 June 2018 Progress toward trial has been complicated by the alleged terrorists' years in the CIA's Black Sites, and how much national-security evidence defense lawyers can get from prosecutors about their torture in spy agency custody. — Carol Rosenberg, miamiherald, "Judge orders top Pentagon lawyer to testify about alleged meddling in the 9/11 case | Miami Herald," 23 May 2018 There’s no artistic merit to the abuse inflicted on Shaun, no deep character arc that’s being serviced by her torture. — Barbara Vandenburgh, azcentral, "Gabrielle Union kicks serious butt in violent ‘Breaking In’," 11 May 2018 There were torture chambers and then finally house arrest. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Venezuelan opposition leader laments "genocide" in his country, reveals his escape from detainment," 18 Sep. 2018 Each year a fresh batch of concept drawings and patents emerge for airplane seating configurations that look more like re-creations of medieval torture chambers than seats. — Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, "Near-standing ‘seats’ might be the awful future of flying," 24 Apr. 2018 Jon Burge was bouncing between torture chambers like the conductor of an orchestra, but the only sounds that were coming out were screams. — Megan Crepeau, chicagotribune.com, "Closing arguments cap months of hearings into alleged torture by ex-police Cmdr. Jon Burge," 5 Apr. 2018 Overall, these ampoules are good enough to pass the Brazilian styling torture test and the Coachella test. — Bianca Nieves, Teen Vogue, "The Music Festival First-Timer's Survival Guide," 19 Apr. 2019 The Home Secretary, a senior Cabinet official, can block extradition under certain circumstances, including cases where a person might face capital punishment or torture in the country seeking their extradition. — Gregory Katz, The Seattle Times, "UK pressured not to overlook Swedish claims to Assange," 14 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

McCain - a Navy officer who was captured in Vietnam after his aircraft crashed and was tortured as a prisoner of war - urged his Senate colleagues to oppose Haspel's nomination. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "White House official derides McCain over Haspel opposition: 'He's dying anyway'," 11 May 2018 The ghost’s role undercuts the novel’s seriousness, and Lu’s attempt to fit it into an explanation for certain developments is not just tortured but unnecessary. — Kate Greathead, New York Times, "Three Sparkling Debuts, Joined by New York City," 4 May 2018 Lebanese State Security says Mr. Itani wasn’t tortured. — Sune Engel Rasmussen And Nazih Osseiran, WSJ, "Ordeal of Detained and Beaten Lebanese Actor Tests Public Faith in State," 11 Apr. 2018 McCain was tortured during his years as a POW in Vietnam. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, "Fox Business host apologizes after guest makes derisive comment about John McCain," 10 May 2018 What followed was one of the most infamous events of the Gulf War, with the two men forced to eject were captured by the Iraqis, tortured, and paraded to the world’s media. — Mark Smith, Popular Mechanics, "Why the Panavia Tornado Is Such a Badass Plane," 10 Apr. 2019 The only way out of her trapped and tortured life, as Gypsy Rose sees it, is to kill her mother. — Alexis Jones, Marie Claire, "How True Is 'The Act'? The Hulu Series' Backstory Is Chilling," 20 Mar. 2019 The action follows the recent imprisonment of a Danish Jehovah’s Witness in Russia, where the faith is outlawed, as well as allegations that its members have been detained and tortured. — Ann M. Simmons, WSJ, "Russia Seizes Property From Jehovah’s Witnesses After Banning Group," 6 Mar. 2019 The public was told to believe that those men deserved to be rendered, tortured, and detained in order for justice for 9/11 to be served. — Aliya Hana Hussain, Teen Vogue, "9/11’s Anniversary Means 17 Years Since the Guantánamo Prison Opened," 11 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'torture.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.