torture
Translation
torture, agony
Examples
The use of torture is a violation of human rights.
The use of torture is a violation of human rights.
Waiting for the results was pure torture.
Waiting for the results was pure torture.
Grammar Patterns
((torture)) the action of inflicting severe pain on someone He endured years of torture.
Similar Words
Synonyms: agony, torment, suffering
Etymology
From Latin 'tortura' meaning 'a twisting, torture,' from 'torquere' meaning 'to twist.'
Memory Tips
Imagine something being twisted ('tort-') to cause pain. It's used as both a noun and a verb.