Thesaurus

torture

Q: How is the word 'torture' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict , rack , torment , and try . While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. // tortured by a sense of guilt

Q: When is it sensible to use 'afflict' instead of 'torture'?

While the synonyms afflict and torture are close in meaning, 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

Q: When would 'rack' be a good substitute for 'torture'?

The words rack and torture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching. // a body racked by pain

Q: In what contexts can 'torment' take the place of 'torture'?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. // a horse tormented by flies

Q: Where would 'try' be a reasonable alternative to 'torture'?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. // children often try their parents' patience

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of torture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness

it's torture for me to see you so unhappy

Synonyms for torture

Words Related to torture

gall,
thorn

Near Antonyms for torture

Antonyms for torture

heaven,
paradise

2 a state of great suffering of body or mind

spent an afternoon in torture waiting to hear whether her brother had made it home safely

Synonyms for torture

Words Related to torture

discomfort

emergency,
pinch

Near Antonyms for torture

peace,
security

well-being

torture

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of torture (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to cause persistent suffering to

the neighbor's dog constantly tortures our cat, barking at him and chasing him down the street

Synonyms for torture

Words Related to torture

assail,
attack

martyr

Near Antonyms for torture

2 to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition

tortured her naturally straight hair into curls

Synonyms for torture

Words Related to torture

deface,
disfigure

Near Antonyms for torture

Frequently Asked Questions About torture

How is the word torture different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict, rack, torment, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When is it sensible to use afflict instead of torture?

While the synonyms afflict and torture are close in meaning, 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

When would rack be a good substitute for torture?

The words rack and torture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

In what contexts can torment take the place of torture?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would try be a reasonable alternative to torture?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience