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Torture - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Torture is the deliberate infliction of severe physical or mental pain to punish, intimidate, or extract information. It is widely condemned as cruel and inhumane.

torture

/ˈtɔːr.tʃɚ/ /ˈtɔː.tʃə/

Definition:

Inflicting severe pain or suffering as punishment, coercion, or cruelty.

Synonyms:

torment, agony, suffering, persecution

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

comfort, relief

Common Collocations:

mental torture, physical torture, endure torture, torture device

Derivatives:

torturer, torturous

Usage Tips:

Use "torture" to describe extreme suffering or the act of causing it intentionally.

Common Phrases:

torture chamber, torture rack, psychological torture

Etymology:

From Latin "tortura," meaning "twisting" or "torment," via Old French "torture."

Examples:

  • 1. The prisoner endured years of brutal torture.
  • 2. She described the ordeal as psychological torture.
  • 3. The dictator used torture to suppress dissent.
  • 4. The movie depicted scenes of medieval torture.

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