Torture: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
torture
[หtษหrtสษr ]
Definitions
human rights abuse
Torture is the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something. It is considered a violation of human rights and is prohibited by international law.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| torture |
Used in situations where extreme physical or psychological pain is deliberately inflicted on someone for punishment or coercion.
|
| cruelty |
Used when describing behavior that is intentionally malicious or harsh, causing suffering or pain to others. This can be physical or emotional.
|
| abuse |
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.
|
| mistreatment |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- They used torture to extract information from the prisoner.
- Torture is never justified, no matter the circumstances.
interrogation
To torture someone means to deliberately inflict severe physical or mental pain on them in order to obtain information or a confession. It is a cruel and inhumane act that is condemned by most societies.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| torture |
Used when describing extreme physical or mental suffering inflicted on someone, often intentionally and with intensity over a prolonged period.
|
| torment |
Describes causing severe mental or physical suffering, often in a way that is ongoing and distressing, but not necessarily as extreme as torture.
|
| abuse |
Describes the improper treatment or use of something or someone, often implying sustained maltreatment or exploitation. Can refer to physical, emotional, or verbal mistreatment.
|
| harass |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- The suspect was tortured until he confessed to the crime.
- The government tortured political dissidents to suppress opposition.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'torture' comes from the Latin 'tormentum', which means 'to twist' or 'to torment', reflecting the physical agony involved.
- Throughout history, torture has been used in many cultures, often as a method of punishment or coercion, with varied methods documented from ancient times to the present.
- The use of torture became more systematic during the Middle Ages, with specialized devices like the rack and iron maiden popularized for executing punishment.
Legal Perspectives
- International laws, such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture, seek to eliminate torture globally and emphasize human rights.
- Certain countries still use torture, despite global treaties, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns and debates about security versus ethics.
- Torture is often prohibited in courtroom settings, and evidence obtained through torture is commonly ruled inadmissible in many legal systems.
Psychology
- Research shows that experiences of torture can lead to severe long-term psychological effects, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- The psychological aspect of torture often aims not just to inflict physical pain but to break a person's will and sense of self.
- Survivors of torture frequently face societal challenges, including stigma and difficulty reintegrating due to their traumatic experiences.
Art and Literature
- Torture has been portrayed in literature and film as a dramatic device to emphasize moral dilemmas or the depths of human cruelty.
- Famous works, such as George Orwell's '1984', explore themes of torture as a method of state control and the erasure of individual thought.
- In paintings and sculptures, historical depictions of torture often serve as a critique of societal violence and the inhumanity of certain periods.
Modern Context
- Torture is a controversial topic in discussions of national security, particularly relating to the balance between safety and moral integrity.
- Human rights organizations continuously campaign against the use of torture, citing it as an ineffective means of obtaining reliable information.
- In contemporary warfare and conflicts, allegations of torture have surfaced, influencing international relations and humanitarian aid discussions.
Translations
Translations of the word "torture" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tortura
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฏเคพเคคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Folter
๐ฎ๐ฉ penyiksaan
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะฐััะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ tortura
๐ฏ๐ต ๆทๅ (ใใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท torture
๐ช๐ธ tortura
๐น๐ท iลkence
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ๋ฌธ (๊ณ ํต)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุนุฐูุจ
๐จ๐ฟ muฤenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ muฤenie
๐จ๐ณ ๆ็ฃจ
๐ธ๐ฎ muฤenje
๐ฎ๐ธ pynding
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะทะฐะฟัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แฌแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ iลgษncษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ tortura