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torture definition

tor·ture (tôr′c̸hər)

noun

  1. the inflicting of severe pain to force information or confession, get revenge, etc.
  2. any method by which such pain is inflicted
  3. any severe physical or mental pain; agony; anguish
  4. a cause of such pain or agony
  5. Rare a violent twisting, distortion, perversion, etc.

Etymology: Fr < LL tortura, a twisting, torture < pp. of L torquere, to twist: see tort

transitive verb tortured -·tured, torturing -·tur·ing

  1. to subject to torture
  2. to cause extreme physical or mental pain to; agonize
  3. to twist or distort (meaning, language, etc.)

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

torture Synonyms

torture

n.

pain, anguish, agony, torment, tribulation, rack, crucifixion, cruciation, martyrdom, pang, dolor, ache, twinge, physical suffering, mental suffering, hell on earth, bed of Procrustes; see also cruelty.

Antonyms comfort*, enjoyment*, delight.


torture

v.

  1. To torment

    annoy, irritate, disturb; see abuse 1, bother 2.

  2. To injure

    wound, lacerate, whip; see beat 2, hurt 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

torture Usage Examples

Object

  • chamber: Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open?

Converse of object

  • inflict: They also speak of almost unimaginable tortures inflicted upon Islamist prisoners in army interrogation centers.

Adjective modifier

  • cruel: Enter the world of the female domination and cruel tortures.

Modifying Another Word

  • under: Both the US and the British governments use evidence obtained under torture, in contravention of the Geneva Convention.

Preposition: in

  • prison: Moses' arrest and torture in prison is not unusual in Uganda.

Preposition: of

  • detainee: The Secretary of State also stated: " The United States Government does not authorize or condone torture of detainees.
torture usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

torture quotes

Of course,Behaviourism 'works'. So does torture.

-Auden,W(ystan) H(ugh)

I live not in myself, but I become Portion of that around me; and to me, High mountains are a feeling, but the hum Of human cities torture.

-Rochdale

But I have lived, and have not lived in vain: My mind may loose its force, my blood its fire, And my frame perish even in conquering pain; But there is that within me which shall tire Torture and Time, and breathe when I expire. Something unearthly, which they deem not of, Like the remembered tone of a mute lyre, Shall on their softened spirits sink, and move In hearts all rocky now the late remorse of love.

-Rochdale

torture quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"torture." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/torture>

APA Style

torture. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/torture

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