torture 1 of 2

torture

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word torture different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict, rack, torment, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When is it sensible to use afflict instead of torture?

While the synonyms afflict and torture are close in meaning, afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress.

ills that afflict the elderly

When would rack be a good substitute for torture?

The words rack and torture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

In what contexts can torment take the place of torture?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would try be a reasonable alternative to torture?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience

Examples of torture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Mid-way through the Christmas-set Terrifier 3, Thornton's jubilant psychopath creates a new torture instrument, a tank of liquid nitrogen rigged with a projectile funnel. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Oct. 2024 Today, the once notorious detention and torture center where Ms. Soffiantini was held is a museum and memorial, open to the public since 2015. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
The one from Chad was tortured by the government and his father was killed. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 This takes place after the Dark Lord has tortured Charles Edwards’ Celebrimbor, filling his body with arrows in an attempt to find where the elven-smith had hidden the aforementioned rings. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torture 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near torture

Cite this Entry

“Torture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torture. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on torture

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