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Showing results for torture. Search instead for torturer.
Definitions

torture

[tawr-cher] / ˈtɔr tʃər /
NOUN
severe mental or physical pain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
misery persecution suffering torment
STRONG
ache affliction agony anguish crucifixion distress dolor excruciation impalement laceration martyrdom pang rack tribulation twinge
WEAK
cruciation third degree
Antonyms
STRONGEST
happiness joy
STRONG
comfort contentment health peace relief
WEAK
alleviation
VERB
upset or hurt severely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abuse annoy beat disturb injure maim mistreat mutilate oppress persecute torment wound
STRONG
afflict agonize bother crucify distress excruciate grill harrow impale irritate lacerate mangle martyr martyrize pain rack smite try whip wring wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid appease assist comfort commend cure delight fix heal help make happy mend please protect repair soothe
STRONG
assuage calm
WEAK
alleviate relieve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Corporate retreats are generally assumed to be torture, or at least a semi-stressful chore, what with their forced-fun activities and hybrid work-play environments that leave workers confused about boundaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

For Maisie Adam, taking part - and crucially trying not to crack - in Last One Laughing was "absolute torture".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

First, the Convention Against Torture—which Congress has implemented into federal law—requires individualized determinations of risk when an immigrant says that they fear torture if deported to a certain country.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

Giving examples of his office's work, Turk said it supported 67,000 survivors of torture and modern slavery, documented tens of thousands of human rights violations and exposed discrimination in more than 100 countries.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

Waiting for Boat Boy to ask me out has been torture.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith