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Showing results for torture. Search instead for torturers.
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.

For other kinds of travelers, that sounds like torture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Well, according to those memos, not only is it not torture, it’s not illegal.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

The fund, now imperiled, helps survivors recover from torture in the U.S. and around the world.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2026

Mr Abd El Fattah was imprisoned in an Egyptian jail for more than a decade after being convicted of "spreading fake news" about torture in the country.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

The next few days are a lesson in slow torture.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.