Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

torturesome

adjective
tor·ture·some | \-chə(r)səm\

Definition of torturesome 

: causing torture : intolerably painful slipped on their torturesome pumps— William Maxwell

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for torturesome

torture entry 1 + -some

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about torturesome

Share torturesome

Resources for torturesome

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near torturesome

torturable

torture

torturedly

torturesome

torturingly

torturous

torty

Statistics for torturesome

Look-up Popularity

Comments on torturesome

What made you want to look up torturesome? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

linchpin

one that holds something together

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games