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Showing results for torture. Search instead for torturi.
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

After the crackdown in January, Sheikhi fled to the autonomous Kurdistan region in Iraq, fearing arrest and torture back home, where the moustached, bespectacled man had been no stranger to anti-government protests.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 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

When I have a lot to do, time shrinks, but when I want something over with, it stretches and yawns, and laughs at my torture.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff