Torturous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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torturous

[ˈtɔːtʃərəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a process

Causing extreme pain or suffering; agonizing.

Synonyms

agonizing, excruciating, painful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torturous	Same as the first entry for 'torturous.' To specify a condition very similar to being tortured, with severe, often prolonged suffering. 'The endless waiting felt torturous ' 'She endured a torturous mental battle '
agonizing	Used to describe intense discomfort or difficulty, often leading to extreme mental distress, anxiety, or discomfort. 'The wait for the test results was agonizing ' 'He made an agonizing decision to leave his hometown '
painful	A general term for any form of physical or emotional discomfort or suffering, ranging in intensity but often less extreme than 'agonizing' or 'excruciating'. 'The breakup was a painful experience ' 'He had a painful headache after working all day '
excruciating	Best used for very intense pain, either physical or emotional, that is almost unbearable. 'She felt excruciating pain after the surgery ' 'The excruciating loss of his pet deeply affected him '

Examples of usage

The journey through the desert was torturous, with the scorching sun beating down on them.
Her torturous migraine made it impossible for her to concentrate on anything else.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing a situation

Involving or causing torture.

Synonyms

cruel, inhuman, tortuous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torturous	This word is best used to describe situations or experiences that involve extreme physical or mental pain and are very difficult to endure. The journey through the mountains was a torturous ordeal. She found the wait for the test results to be torturous.
tortuous	This is best used to describe something that is full of twists and turns, either literally, like a road, or metaphorically, like a process or negotiation. The path to the village was tortuous, with many sharp turns. The negotiations were tortuous and took months to complete.
cruel	It is appropriate for describing someone or something that causes pain and suffering deliberately and without compassion. His cruel remarks left her in tears. The dictator was known for his cruel punishment of dissenters.
inhuman	Use this word to describe actions or behaviors that lack compassion and are considered deeply unpleasant, often implying a lack of humanity. The conditions in the prison were inhuman. The inhuman treatment of war prisoners shocked the world.

Examples of usage

The prisoners were subjected to torturous interrogation techniques.
The torturous conditions in the prison made it a living hell for the inmates.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling torturous emotions can lead to mental stress, affecting overall well-being.
The brain doesn't differentiate between physical pain and emotional distress; both can feel similarly torturous.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often endure torturous journeys that test their strength and resolve.
The use of torturous situations in stories can symbolize a character's growth or struggle against adversity.

Pop Culture

Many horror films depict torturous scenarios to elicit fear and tension.
Video games often feature torturous challenges that test players' skills and patience.

Science

Studies show that chronic pain can create a torturous cycle affecting mental health.
Research into pain management often explores ways to reduce the torturous experiences of those suffering.

Origin of 'torturous'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'tormentum', meaning 'torture' or 'pain'.
It has been used in the English language since the late 15th century to describe extreme discomfort.

The word 'torturous' originates from the Latin word 'tortuosus', meaning full of twists or turns. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to something causing extreme pain or suffering. The term is often used to describe situations or processes that are agonizing or torturous.

See also: tortured, torturer, torturously.