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Tortured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tortured

[ˈtɔːtʃəd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

crime

Cause to suffer severely. Inflict severe pain upon.

Synonyms

abuse, mistreat, torment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tortured

This word is often used to describe someone who has been subjected to severe physical or mental pain, usually in a methodical and intentional manner. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The spy was captured and tortured for information
  • She felt like a tortured artist, always struggling with her creative process
torment

Torment refers to causing severe physical or mental suffering. It's similar to 'tortured' but is more often used in psychological contexts. It can imply prolonged or relentless suffering.

  • The haunted house tormented him with its eerie noises
  • She was tormented by her own doubts and insecurities
abuse

Abuse is generally used to describe harmful or cruel treatment, and it can be physical, emotional, or verbal. It has a strong negative connotation and is often associated with ongoing patterns of behavior.

  • The animal showed signs of abuse, like bruises and scars
  • Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse
mistreat

Mistreat means to treat someone or something badly or unfairly. It is a less intense term compared to 'abuse' and can describe a range of negative behaviors, usually not as severe.

  • It's important not to mistreat pets, as they rely on us for their well-being
  • Employees felt they were being mistreated by their manager

Examples of usage

  • He was tortured and killed by the police.
  • She was tortured for information.
Context #2 | Verb

interrogation

Subject to unbearable physical or mental suffering.

Synonyms

agonize, excruciate, torment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tortured

Often used to describe someone who is suffering intense physical or mental pain, typically due to prolonged and severe abuse. This term usually has a strong emotional context and can refer to both literal and figurative pain.

  • The prisoner was tortured to extract information.
  • She felt tortured by her own insecurities.
excruciate

Often used to describe extreme physical pain, but can also apply to severe mental anguish. This term usually highlights the high intensity of the pain.

  • The injury caused excruciating pain.
  • She felt excruciating mental distress after the loss.
agonize

Used when someone is suffering from severe mental or emotional pain, often due to difficult decisions or distressing situations. It usually refers to being deeply worried or stressed over something.

  • He agonized over the choice of career path.
  • She agonized for days whether to tell the truth or not.
torment

Can be used to describe severe mental or physical suffering, often due to an ongoing situation or harassment. This word can have a slightly broader, more generalized application than 'tortured'.

  • The bully tormented him every day at school.
  • He was tormented by nightmares.

Examples of usage

  • They tortured the prisoner for hours to extract a confession.
  • The suspect was tortured to reveal the location of the stolen goods.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word derives from the Latin 'torere', meaning 'to twist', reflecting the physical and emotional wringing someone might feel.
  • In medieval times, physical torture was a method used for punishment, often used to extract confessions or compel obedience.

Art and Literature

  • Many famous authors have explored themes of suffering, with renowned works showcasing characters who endure emotional and physical challenges.
  • The artwork of the Renaissance often depicted scenes of torture or suffering, emphasizing human agony and survival through dramatic expressions.

Psychology

  • Studies in psychology indicate that emotional trauma can have long-lasting effects, sometimes leading to conditions like PTSD, mirroring the concept of being tortured psychologically.
  • Therapeutic approaches often address these deep-seated pains, helping individuals work through feelings of emotional torture.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and literature frequently portray tortured characters who face both internal demons and external struggles, reflecting the complexity of human emotion.
  • In music, many artists express themes of tortured emotions, where lyrics delve into pain, longing, and the search for relief.

Ethics and Law

  • International laws, like the United Nations Convention Against Torture, have been established to protect individuals from cruel, inhumane treatment.
  • Debates around torture often arise in discussions on national security, law enforcement, and morality, emphasizing the need for humane treatment even in dire situations.

Origin of 'tortured'

The word 'tortured' comes from the Latin word 'tortus', which means twisted or distorted. It originally referred to the physical act of twisting or bending something out of shape. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the infliction of severe pain or suffering, especially in the context of interrogation or punishment. The use of torture has a long and dark history, with various methods of inflicting pain being employed throughout different cultures and time periods.

See also: torturer, torturous, torturously.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,238, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.