Torturer: meaning, definitions and examples

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torturer

[ˈtɔːrtʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal justice

A person who inflicts severe pain or suffering on others as a form of punishment or to force them to do something.

Synonyms

abuser, interrogator, sadist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torturer	Used to describe someone who deliberately inflicts severe pain or suffering on others, typically in a systematic and ruthless manner, often for information, punishment, or intimidation. The torturer showed no mercy as he extracted information from the prisoner. Stories of wartime torturers haunted the survivors for years.
interrogator	Describes someone who questions others, often intensively, to obtain information. This can be in legal, military, or police contexts and does not necessarily imply violence or cruelty. The interrogator patiently asked the suspect about his whereabouts on the night of the crime. An experienced interrogator can often tell when someone is lying.
abuser	Refers to a person who mistreats others, often by using physical or emotional violence, control, or manipulation. This term is frequently used in contexts of domestic violence or child abuse. She bravely testified against her abuser in court. Victims of childhood abusers often need years of therapy.
sadist	Used to denote a person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others. It is a highly negative term that indicates a deep psychological issue. He was known as a sadist, enjoying the pain he caused to others. Her sadistic tendencies made her feared in the entire neighborhood.

Examples of usage

The torturer used various methods to extract information from the prisoner.
The torturer was known for his cruel and inhumane treatment of his victims.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

An official in the Roman Empire responsible for extracting information from prisoners by means of torture.

Synonyms

executioner, inquisitor, tormentor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torturer	A 'torturer' carries out the act of inflicting physical or psychological pain on someone often for the purpose of punishment, coercion, or sheer cruelty. This term has strong negative connotations and is typically used in reference to historical or legal contexts. The medieval castle had a dungeon where the torturer would extract confessions. Reports revealed that political prisoners were abused by their torturers.
inquisitor	An 'inquisitor' is someone who questions or investigates thoroughly, often used in a context of historical religious courts (Inquisition). The term can also refer to someone who is overly harsh or intrusive in their questioning, giving it a negative slant. During the Spanish Inquisition, inquisitors sought out heretics and forced confessions. The journalist's inquisitor-like approach made the interviewee very uncomfortable.
executioner	An 'executioner' is a person who legally carries out capital punishment, often by hanging, shooting, or other methods. Although the role is practical, it usually carries a grim, negative connotation. The executioner stepped forward to carry out the death sentence. In historical dramas, the executioner is often portrayed as a foreboding figure.
tormentor	A 'tormentor' is someone who causes severe physical or emotional suffering to another person. This term is used in a broader sense and often describes bullies or abusers, carrying a strong negative connotation. The child was afraid to go to school because of his relentless tormentor. She could not escape the memories of her childhood tormentor.

Examples of usage

The torturer in ancient Rome was feared for his brutal methods.
The torturer was skilled in the art of extracting confessions through pain.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The practice of torture has ancient roots, with evidence dating back to the Roman Empire, used for punishment and to extract information.
In medieval Europe, torture was often used during trials to force confessions or to punish perceived criminals.
Different cultures developed their unique methods, some which were extremely brutal, reflecting societal values around punishment.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals capable of inflicting suffering often do so for perceived personal or political gain, reflecting deep-seated psychological factors.
The phenomenon known as 'dehumanization' plays a significant role; this is when the torturer disassociates the victim's humanity.
Research indicates that those who inflict harm may justify their actions through beliefs that their cause is greater than the suffering they impose.

Literature

In literature, the archetype of the torturer reflects the darkest aspects of human nature, often representing the struggle between good and evil.
Authors like Franz Kafka and George Orwell explore themes of oppression where power dynamics lead to suffering.
Fictional depictions of torturers often serve as a reflection of the moral decay within societies, prompting readers to reflect on ethical dilemmas.

Pop Culture

Films and literature frequently portray torturers as villainous characters, emphasizing moral conflict and the consequences of their actions.
Popular video games sometimes include themes of torture as a method of control, reflecting real-world power struggles.
Contemporary discussions in media often center around the ethical implications of torture, especially in the context of war and government interrogation tactics.

Legal Aspects

International laws, such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture, categorize torture as a crime and prohibit its practice globally.
Legal systems in many countries impose severe penalties on those convicted of torture, reflecting a societal rejection of such inhumane acts.
Debates about the effectiveness of torture in gathering reliable information continue to shape policies and ethical standards worldwide.

Translations

Translations of the word "torturer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 torturador

🇮🇳 यातनादाता

🇩🇪 Folterer

🇮🇩 penyiksa

🇺🇦 кат

🇵🇱 oprawca

🇯🇵 拷問者 (ごうもんしゃ)

🇫🇷 tortionnaire

🇪🇸 torturador

🇹🇷 işkenceci

🇰🇷 고문하는 사람

🇸🇦 جلاد

🇨🇿 mučitel

🇸🇰 mučiteľ

🇨🇳 折磨者 (zhé mó zhě)

🇸🇮 mučitelj

🇮🇸 pyntari

🇰🇿 азаптаушы

🇬🇪 მტანჯველი

🇦🇿 işgəncəçi

🇲🇽 torturador

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,079 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33076 sizzled
33077 gladsome
33078 neurotoxin
33079 torturer
33080 axed
33081 gluttonous
33082 misdeed
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