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Showing results for torture. Search instead for tortyrs.
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.

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

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

She urged the UK and other governments that "share responsibility for his ongoing torture and unlawful detention" to ensure his release.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

Braced for cobwebs and torture devices, Kendra was relieved to find that the attic was a cheerful playroom.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Vocabulary lists containing torture

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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Twists and Turns: Tor

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That Hurts! Synonyms for "Pain"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!