torture torture /ˈtɔrtʃɝ/

noun

1. () Extreme mental distress  ( torment , torture , anguish )
   extreme mental distress
     The mother's heart was filled with anguish when she couldn't find her lost child.
   The mother's heart was filled with anguish when she couldn't find her lost child.
   
   
2. The deliberate, systematic, or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons in an attempt to force another person to yield information or to make a confession or for any other reason  ( torture , torturing )
   the deliberate, systematic, or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons in an attempt to force another person to yield information or to make a confession or for any other reason
    It required unnatural torturing to extract a confession
   it required unnatural torturing to extract a confession
   
   
3. The act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean  ( distortion , overrefinement , straining , torture , twisting )
   the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
   
4. Intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain  ( torture , torment , agony )
   intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
    An agony of doubt
   an agony of doubt
    The torments of the damned
   the torments of the damned
   
   
5. Unbearable physical pain  ( torture , torment )
   unbearable physical pain
   

verb

1. () Torment emotionally or mentally  ( excruciate , rack , torment , torture )
   torment emotionally or mentally
     Waiting for the exam results felt like torture, as the outcome determined my future.
   Waiting for the exam results felt like torture, as the outcome determined my future.
   
2. () Subject to torture  ( excruciate , torment , torture )
   subject to torture
    The sinners will be tormented in Hell, according to the Bible
   The sinners will be tormented in Hell, according to the Bible