Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Torture has 9 different meanings across 2 categories:
the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
"The editor had to stop the team from torturing that simple quote until it sounded like a conspiracy theory."
intentional causing of somebody's experiencing agony
"The interrogator would not hesitate to torture the prisoner by keeping him awake for days without food or water."
In plain English: Torture is the act of causing someone extreme physical pain or mental suffering on purpose.
"The long wait in line felt like torture for everyone standing there."
torment emotionally or mentally
"The constant worry about her safety tortured him every time he looked at his phone without a signal."
subject to torture
"The sinners will be tormented in Hell, according to the Bible"
To intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on (someone).
"The interrogator refused to use physical torture, insisting that psychological pressure alone was enough to extract a confession."
In plain English: To torture someone is to cause them extreme physical pain or mental suffering on purpose.
"The tight shoes began to torture his feet after hours of walking."
Usage: Use this verb to describe intentional acts of inflicting extreme physical or mental anguish, often in contexts involving interrogation or punishment. Avoid confusing it with synonyms like "harass," which implies persistent annoyance rather than deliberate cruelty designed to break someone's will.
The word "torture" entered English via Middle and Old French, originally describing the physical act of twisting or writhing. Its meaning later shifted in Medieval Latin to refer specifically to pain inflicted by judicial authorities as a means of persuasion before reaching us today.