torturing
ˈtɔːrtʃərɪŋ
Definition Synonyms

Definition of torturing - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
painprocess causing extreme discomfort or distress
  • Waiting for the results was like torturing.
agony torment
2.
inflictionthe act of inflicting severe pain on someone
  • The torturing of prisoners was condemned by human rights groups.
agonizing excruciating tormenting
3.
mental sufferingRaredeliberate causing of mental sufferingRare
  • His constant bullying was a form of torturing.
agony anguish torment

Adjective

1.
painfulcausing extreme physical or mental pain
  • The torturing heat made it hard to breathe.
agonizing excruciating harrowing
2.
distressinginflicting severe discomfort or distress
  • The torturing wait for the results was unbearable.
agonizing excruciating
Add a suggestion |

Origin of torturing

Latin, torquere (to twist)

Examples of torturing in a sentence

  • His constant complaints were a form of torturing.
  • The torturing of animals is illegal in many countries.
  • Reports of torturing during the conflict shocked the world.
  • The torturing of prisoners is a grave violation of rights.
  • Her silence was a subtle form of torturing.
  • The torturing suspense kept everyone on edge.

View all translations of torturing

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:torture, torturant, ...
  2. German:Folter, quälend, ...
  3. Italian:tortura, torturante, ...
  4. Spanish:tortura, torturante, ...
  5. Portuguese:tortura, torturante, ...
  6. Chinese:折磨, 折磨人的, ...
  7. Japanese:拷問, 耐え難い, ...
  8. Arabic:تَعْذِيب, مُعَذِّب, ...
  9. Hebrew:עִנּוּי, מְעַנֶּה, ...
  10. Russian:пытка, мучительный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:катування, мучаючий, ...
  12. Hindi:यातना, यातनादायक, ...
torture
ˈtɔːrtʃər

Definition of torture - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
painsevere physical or mental pain
  • The headache was sheer torture.
agony anguish suffering
2.
punishmentinfliction of severe pain for punishment or interrogation
  • The prisoner endured torture to extract information.
agony torment
3.
sufferingRarecause of mental agony or worryRare
  • Waiting for the results was torture.
anguish distress

Verb

tr.
1.
violenceinflict severe physical pain for punishment or information
  • The captors tortured the prisoner for information.
agonize torment
2.
psychologycause someone to suffer mental pain or anxiety
  • The suspense tortured her mind all night.
distress torment
3.
distortRaretwist something into a grotesque formRare
  • The artist tortured the metal into a unique sculpture.
contort deform warp
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with torture

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
horror entertainment that focuses on graphic brutality for audience enjoyment
Some critics dismiss the film as torture porn.
manipulate data to get desired results
The scientist decided to torture the data to support his hypothesis.
experience causing extreme physical or mental pain
Running the marathon was pure torture for him.
extreme pain or suffering that is very hard to bear
Waiting for the results was sheer torture.
cause oneself mental or physical pain
He would torture himself with thoughts of failure.
repeated irritation causing cumulative damage
His constant nagging felt like Chinese water torture.

Origin of torture

Latin, torquere (to twist)

Examples of torture in a sentence

  • Listening to the noise was mental torture.
  • The regime used torture as a means of control.
  • Torture was condemned by international human rights organizations.
  • The suspense of the movie was pure torture.
  • His constant indecision was a form of torture.
  • They threatened to torture him if he didn't comply.

View all translations of torture

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:torture, torturer, ...
  2. German:Qual, foltern, ...
  3. Italian:tortura, torturare, ...
  4. Spanish:tortura, torturar, ...
  5. Portuguese:tortura, torturar, ...
  6. Chinese:折磨, 拷打, ...
  7. Japanese:拷問, 拷問する, ...
  8. Arabic:عَذَاب, عَذَّبَ, ...
  9. Hebrew:עִינּוּי, לְעַנּוֹת, ...
  10. Russian:мучение, пытать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:тортура, катувати, ...
  12. Hindi:यातना, यातना देना, ...
Browse the dictionary entries starting with “t”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery