torture

Meanings

Noun

• intentional causing of somebody's experiencing agony
• the "suffering of the heart" imposed by one on another, as in personal relationships
• (often as "absolute torture") stage fright, severe embarrassment

Verb

• To intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on (someone).

Related

Similar words

• enhanced interrogation techniques

Origin

• From Middle English torture, from Old French torture, from Late Latin tortūra, from Latin tortus (whence also tort), past participle of torquere.