torturous

tor·tur·ous | \ ˈtȯrch-rəs

How to pronounce torturous (audio)

, ˈtȯr-chə- \

Definition of torturous

1a : very unpleasant or painful a torturous day torturous self-doubts

b : causing torture torturous inquisitions

2 : painfully difficult or slow the torturous course of the negotiations

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Examples of torturous in a Sentence

relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself

Recent Examples on the Web But the possibility of Russian interference has threatened to further complicate the torturous negotiations with Brussels over Britain’s departure, known as Brexit, by undermining the credibility of the referendum. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New York Times, "Facebook to Take Broader Look at Possible Russian Role in Brexit Vote," 17 Jan. 2018 This final foe, with its torturous taking of human life through viruses and violence, is impotent in the face of the one who stared death in the face and was victorious. — Daniel Darling, National Review, "How Good Friday Helps Us Cope with the Pandemic," 10 Apr. 2020 Suddenly, that restful night of slumber has devolved into a torturous session of tossing and turning. — oregonlive, "Sleeping and coronavirus: How to enjoy a restful night during the pandemic," 9 Apr. 2020 Ijichi’s world is one of passionate love affairs, torturous police interrogations, chopped-off pinkies (a show of loyalty to the brotherhood), and even murder. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, "Best Books to Read if You're Dreaming of Japan," 30 Mar. 2020 Now, reports Megan Gannon for National Geographic, archaeologists have conducted the first systematic study of Sylt in more than 70 years, revealing how the camp changed over time, as well as the torturous treatment endured by its detainees. — Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, "Archaeologists Reveal the Hidden Horrors of Only Nazi SS Camp on British Soil," 1 Apr. 2020 The meeting lasted a torturous 4 hours, 15 minutes, and that didn’t include the racing dates committee meeting, which started more than two hours earlier. — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, "Racing! Los Al gets five weeks in 2020," 20 Sep. 2019 Download the accompanying Qiber app and get access to 21 different game scenarios (even compete against friends) that make hitting your fitness goals much less torturous. — Popular Science, "Elliptical machines to help you reach your fitness goals," 28 Jan. 2020 The middle ones — 30B and 30E — are particularly torturous. — Washington Post, "What’s the worst seat on a plane — and how do I avoid it?," 9 Jan. 2020

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

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Last Updated

8 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2020.

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