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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.

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

The aunt of a man who died in prison has told the court deciding on compensation owed that trying to get answers since his death has been "torture".

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

For other kinds of travelers, that sounds like torture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

I’m hearing what feels like your peak frustration with the “John Yoo special”: As long as it’s not organ failure, it’s not torture.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

Auntie Fatmata didn’t torture us so much while we were sick with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince