torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯr-chə-rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
ˈtȯrch-
1
a
: very unpleasant or painful
a torturous day
torturous self-doubts
b
: causing torture
torturous inquisitions
2
: painfully difficult or slow
the torturous course of the negotiations
torturously adverb

Examples of torturous in a Sentence

relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
Recent Examples on the Web
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Even better, these expert tips should make easing into healthier phone habits much more manageable (and way less torturous). Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 Jan. 2025 Fans rushed the floor after OSU secured the upset, a joyous celebration on a campus that’s been through the college realignment wringer, a torturous process that ultimately killed the Beavers’ conference. Lindsay Schnell, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 For those who survive, the war wages on in an insidious and torturous form: hunger. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Editor’s picks ‘Brutal beatings’ Cooper and hundreds of Dozier students accused school wardens of torturous abuse over minor infractions, like whippings, beatings, forced labor, and medical neglect. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torturous 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of torturous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near torturous

Cite this Entry

“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

torturous

adjective
tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯrch-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
: causing great pain
torturously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on torturous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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