Torture: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in situations where extreme physical or psychological pain is deliberately inflicted on someone for punishment or coercion.

• The soldiers were accused of using torture to extract information from prisoners

Used when describing behavior that is intentionally malicious or harsh, causing suffering or pain to others. This can be physical or emotional.

• Her cruelty towards her pets was evident to everyone who visited her home

Refers to treating someone with cruelty or violence regularly, especially a person or an animal. This word can also refer to the misuse of substances or situations. It generally involves a pattern of harmful behavior.

• The documentary shed light on cases of child abuse within the community

Denotes situations where someone is treated badly or unfairly. It is less intense than 'torture' or 'abuse' and can include a wide range of unfair or unkind behavior.

• The employees complained about the mistreatment they received from their boss

Used when describing extreme physical or mental suffering inflicted on someone, often intentionally and with intensity over a prolonged period.

• The captive was subjected to severe torture to extract information
• The book describes the psychological torture endured by the protagonist

Describes causing severe mental or physical suffering, often in a way that is ongoing and distressing, but not necessarily as extreme as torture.

• He was tormented by his memories of the war
• The villain took pleasure in tormenting the helpless villagers

Describes the improper treatment or use of something or someone, often implying sustained maltreatment or exploitation. Can refer to physical, emotional, or verbal mistreatment.

• The child was a victim of abuse at the hands of a negligent caregiver
• Substance abuse is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on individuals

Refers to persistently disturbing, tormenting, or troubling someone. Often used in legal or workplace contexts to describe unwanted and repeated behavior that causes discomfort or fear.

• She reported her co-worker for harassment after enduring months of unwanted advances
• Online harassment has become a growing concern in recent years