torture
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈtɔː.tʃər/
KK: /ˈtɔr.tʃɚ/
noun
Definition
A way of causing severe physical or mental pain to someone, often used as punishment or to make someone do something.
Example
The movie depicted the torture of prisoners during the war.
Conversation
Have you ever experienced the torture of waiting for exam results?
Oh, absolutely! It's like every minute feels like an hour.
Right? The mental torture can be so overwhelming sometimes.
Totally! I just try to distract myself until I get the news.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anguish
torment
pain
Antonyms
comfort
relief
ease
transitive verb
Definition
To cause severe physical or mental pain to someone, often in a cruel way.
Example
The villain in the movie tried to torture the hero to get information.
Tense Forms
Past: tortured
Past Participle: tortured
Conversation
I can't believe how much they torture the contestants on that reality show.
Right? It’s like they enjoy making them suffer for entertainment.
I wonder if the producers ever think about how it affects their mental health.
Root Explanation
Torture → It is derived from the Latin "tormentum" (meaning a twisting or torment) and the verb "torquere" (meaning to twist). The word "torture" refers to the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering, often through twisting or turning the body.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'twist' when you hear 'torture' — it connects to the idea of causing pain by twisting.
Visually Confused Words
untorture
retorture
cotorture
untortured
pretorture
overture
ornature