torture
TAWT-shuh
Torture (noun) means the deliberate infliction of severe pain, especially to punish someone or force information out of them. Example: “Many countries have signed a treaty that bans torture in all circumstances.”
noun
1
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."
"The regime was condemned internationally for its use of torture."
"The prisoner was subjected to weeks of torture."
2
Severe mental or physical suffering.
"Sitting through that long, boring lecture was absolute torture for the restless children."
"The hot, crowded train was torture, and we were glad to get off."
"Waiting for the exam results was pure torture."
verb
1
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."
"The film depicts prisoners of war being tortured."
"She felt tortured by guilt over the accident."
How to use torture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberately causing severe pain or suffering — literally (physical torture) or figuratively (something agonizing to endure).
Common pairings
subjected to torture
sheer torture
torture someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- tortures
- Third person singular
- tortures
- Past tense
- tortured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Many countries have signed a treaty that bans _____ in all circumstances.
Etymology
From Old French torture, from Late Latin tortura ("a twisting, writhing"), from Latin tortus, past participle of torquere, "to twist."
Synonyms
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agony
anguish
suffering
cruelty
persecution
ordeal
distortion
straining
overrefinement
torment
rack
excruciate
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for torture
See all rhymes for 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.
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