Waterboard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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waterboard
[ˈwɔːtəbɔːrd ]
Definitions
torture method
Waterboarding is a form of torture that simulates drowning. It involves pouring water over a cloth covering the face, inducing a sense of suffocation and panic. It is often used to coerce information from a subject.
Synonyms
coercive technique, interrogation technique, torture.
Examples of usage
- The CIA has been criticized for using waterboarding on detainees.
- Some consider waterboarding a controversial interrogation technique.
- The technique has been outlawed in many countries due to its inhumane nature.
torture technique
Waterboarding is a notorious method used in interrogations, characterized by the act of pouring water over an individual's face to create a feeling of drowning. It is classified as a form of torture and is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Synonyms
coercion, harsh interrogation, torture.
Examples of usage
- Waterboarding has been a subject of intense debate in human rights discussions.
- The images of waterboarding resurfaced in media following certain political events.
- Many survivors of waterboarding report long-lasting psychological effects.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The technique can be traced back to the Middle Ages and was used during the Spanish Inquisition.
- It was utilized by various military organizations throughout history to extract information or punish enemies.
Legal and Ethical Debates
- Many countries classify this method as torture, making it illegal under international law.
- The use of this technique has sparked widespread debates about human rights and the ethics of interrogation.
Pop Culture
- The technique has been depicted in several films and TV shows, often as an example of extreme interrogation.
- Waterboarding has appeared in discussions about terrorism and national security in contemporary media.
Psychological Impact
- Survivors often report lasting psychological effects, including PTSD and anxiety disorders, highlighting its long-term impact.
- Victims describe the experience as not only physically distressing but also profoundly terrifying.
Military Usage
- It became a focal point in discussions around the U.S. government's interrogation practices after the events of September 11, 2001.
- Some military training programs have included such scenarios, leading to controversy over moral implications.
Origin of 'waterboard'
The term 'waterboarding' is derived from the combination of 'water' and 'boarding'. The practice dates back to the Spanish Inquisition, where various forms of water torture were employed to extract confessions from accused heretics. The modern term began to gain traction in the late 20th century, particularly during discussions surrounding the treatment of prisoners of war and the methods used in Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Waterboarding has been subject to legal and ethical scrutiny, especially in the context of U.S. counterterrorism practices post-9/11. As a form of coercive interrogation, its use has prompted widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and legal experts alike, arguing that it violates domestic and international laws against torture. Over the years, the term has come to symbolize the tensions between national security and adherence to human rights, making it a critical point of debate in discussions about ethics in intelligence and military operations.