torture
word
Definition
Torture is the act of causing extreme physical or mental pain to someone, often as punishment, to get information, or to control them. It can also be used more loosely for something that feels painfully difficult or unbearable.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in serious legal, historical, and human-rights contexts. As a verb, 'torture' means to deliberately cause extreme suffering; in everyday speech, people may exaggerate with phrases like 'This homework is torture,' but that is much less literal and can sound dramatic.
Example Sentences
Don't torture yourself over one mistake—everyone messes up sometimes.
natural
The report said the prisoners were tortured for information.
basic
No one should torture another person.
basic
Waiting for the test results was torture.
basic
That dentist appointment felt like torture, but at least it's over now.
natural
They threatened to torture him if he didn't speak.
natural