Torture

Definition

Torture refers to the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering, either physically or mentally, on an individual, typically to punish, intimidate, or extract information.

Parts of Speech

Noun
Verb

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɔrʧər/
Respelling: TOR-chur (with "TOR" as in "torn" and "chur" as in the ending of "church")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɔːʧə/
Respelling: TOR-chuh (similar to American English, with "TOR" as in "torn" and "chuh" as a softer version of "chur")

In both dialects, "torture" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TOR," which sounds like "torn." The difference lies in the pronunciation of the final syllable: in American English, it's "chur," sounding like the ending of "church," while in British English, it's "chuh," which is a softer and less pronounced version.

Etymology

The word "torture" is derived from the Old French "torture," which originates from the Late Latin "tortura," a twisting, torment, or suffering. It is rooted in the Latin verb "torquēre," which means "to twist."

Derivatives

Torturer
Torturous
Torturously
Torturingly
Tortuosity

Synonyms

Torment
Agony
Persecution

Antonyms

Relief
Comfort
Solace

Usage

"Torture" is commonly used in the context of human rights discussions to describe practices deemed inhumane and violating international conventions.
It can also be used metaphorically to describe extreme mental distress or situations causing great discomfort.
The word is often associated with wartime practices, police brutality, and other abusive scenarios.

Related Terms

Interrogation
Cruelty
Inhumanity
Suffering
Abuse

Detailed Definition

Noun

Physical or Mental Suffering: The act of inflicting severe physical or mental pain or suffering on someone, often to obtain information, for punishment, or for the sheer pleasure of the perpetrator.
Example: The prisoners were subjected to torture during their captivity.

Metaphorical Pain: A cause of severe physical or mental pain or anguish.
Example: Waiting for the results was pure torture for him.

Verb

Inflict Pain or Suffering: To inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering on someone.
Example: The regime was known to torture its dissidents.