Definition

Causing very strong pain or discomfort; extremely painful or intense.

Example

The patient described the pain as excruciating after the surgery.

Conversation

I had an excruciating headache all day yesterday.

Oh no, that sounds terrible! Did you take anything for it?

Yeah, I tried some painkillers, but the pain was still excruciating for hours.

That's the worst! I hope you feel better today.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Excruciating → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "cruciare" (meaning to torture or torment). The word describes a pain that feels as if it is torturing or tormenting someone from within.

Memory Tip

Think of pain that comes 'out of' ('ex-') a feeling of being 'tortured' ('cruciare') — that's why excruciating means extremely painful.

Visually Confused Words