Pronunciation: /ˈtɔːrtʃər/

Definitions of torture

noun the action or practice of inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something

Example Sentences

A1 The movie was about a princess who was rescued from a evil wizard's torture.

A2 The prisoners endured months of physical and mental torture in the enemy camp.

B1 The use of torture as a means of interrogation is prohibited by international law.

B2 The torture inflicted on political dissidents during the dictatorship was brutal and inhumane.

C1 The novel delves into the psychological effects of torture on both the victims and the perpetrators.

C2 The documentary exposed the systematic torture carried out by the military regime against its own citizens.

verb inflict severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something

Example Sentences

A1 The loud music was torture for my ears.

A2 She felt tortured by the constant teasing from her classmates.

B1 The interrogators used various methods of torture to extract information from the prisoner.

B2 The thought of public speaking was a form of torture for him.

C1 The psychological torture he endured during captivity left lasting scars.

C2 The dictator's regime was known for its use of torture to suppress dissent.

Examples of torture in a Sentence

formal Torture is a violation of human rights and is prohibited by international law.

informal I can't watch movies that have scenes of torture, it's too disturbing for me.

slang I would rather do anything than go through that torture of a workout again.

figurative Waiting in line at the DMV feels like a form of torture.

Grammatical Forms of torture

past tense

tortured

plural

tortures

comparative

more torturous

superlative

most torturous

present tense

tortures

future tense

will torture

perfect tense

have tortured

continuous tense

is torturing

singular

torture

positive degree

torture

infinitive

to torture

gerund

torturing

participle

torturing

Origin and Evolution of torture

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'torture' originated from the Latin word 'tortura' which means 'twisting' or 'pain'. It was derived from the verb 'torquere' which means 'to twist'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'torture' has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone, often for the purpose of punishment or extracting information. It has also come to be associated with unethical or inhumane treatment of individuals.