torture

13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for torture, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish someone or force information out of them.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

suffering

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

agony anguish cruelty persecution ordeal torment distortion rack

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

enhanced interrogation excruciate straining overrefinement

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish someone or force information out of them.

“Many countries have signed a treaty that bans torture in all circumstances.”

agony anguish suffering cruelty persecution ordeal enhanced interrogation torment excruciate distortion straining overrefinement

2. noun

Severe mental or physical suffering.

“Sitting through that long, boring lecture was absolute torture for the restless children.”

Opposites

bliss succour

3. verb

To deliberately inflict severe pain on someone, often to punish or extract information.

“Officials who torture people to get answers can be prosecuted under international law.”

torment rack excruciate

How to use torture

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

subjected to torture sheer torture torture someone

Etymology

From Old French torture, from Late Latin tortura ("a twisting, writhing"), from Latin tortus, past participle of torquere, "to twist."

Full origin of torture →

Frequently asked questions

What does “torture” mean?

The word “torture” means the deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish someone or force information out of them. In plain terms, deliberately causing severe pain or suffering — literally (physical torture) or figuratively (something agonizing to endure).

How do you pronounce “torture”?

“Torture” is pronounced TAWT-shuh (/ˈtɔɹt͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “torture” in a sentence?

Here is “torture” used in a sentence: “The regime was condemned internationally for its use of torture.”

What is another word for “torture”?

Words with a similar meaning to “torture” include enhanced interrogation, torment and excruciate.

What part of speech is “torture”?

Depending on how it is used, “torture” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “torture” come from?

The word “torture” comes from Late Latin. From Old French torture, from Late Latin tortura ("a twisting, writhing"), from Latin tortus, past participle of torquere, "to twist.".

Is “torture” a common word?

“Torture” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “torture” have?

“Torture” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish someone or force information out of them.

What is the difference between "torture" and "torment"?

"Torture" often refers to the deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish or to force out information, and it can name a physical act. "Torment" more often refers to prolonged mental or emotional suffering, or to the act of tormenting. Both describe great suffering, but torture more strongly implies intentional, systematic cruelty.

What is the difference between "torture" and "abuse"?

"Torture" is the deliberate infliction of severe pain, typically to punish or extract information. "Abuse" is broader, covering any cruel, harmful, or improper treatment, whether physical, verbal, or emotional. Torture is an extreme form of abuse, but not all abuse rises to torture.

Can "torture" describe everyday suffering?

Yes. Beyond its literal meaning, "torture" is often used figuratively for severe mental or physical suffering, as in "the wait was torture." Used this way it is an exaggeration for something painful or agonising rather than a literal act of cruelty.

People also searched

suffering persecution rack bliss cruelty agony distortion ordeal torment anguish straining excruciate

Nearby words

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