C1noun formal 2K

Torture

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈtɔːtʃə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈtɔːrtʃər/"]/

Meaning of Torture

the act of causing somebody severe pain in order to punish them or make them say or do something

In simple words: To cause severe pain to someone.

Torture in a sentence

• Many of the refugees have suffered torture.
• the use of torture
• terrible instruments of torture
• His confessions were made under torture.
• I heard stories of gruesome tortures in prisons.
• The interview was sheer torture from start to finish.

How to use Torture

Typically used in legal or humanitarian contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation as it may be too intense or graphic for light topics.

Grammar pattern

torture + object

Memory hint

Think of 'tore' and 'sure' – when someone is hurt badly, they are sure to be in pain.

Related words

Collocations with Torture

• brutal
• systematic
• mental
• inflict
• endure
• suffer
• camp
• chamber
• room
• brutal
• systematic
• mental
• inflict
• endure
• suffer
• camp
• chamber
• room

Synonyms for Torture

• torment
• afflict
• excruciate
• punish
• pain

Opposites of Torture

• relief
• comfort

Common mistakes with Torture

• Confusing with 'torment', which is less severe.
• Using 'torture' in non-physical contexts too broadly.
• Mispronouncing the second syllable.

Frequently asked questions about Torture

What does Torture mean?

To cause severe pain to someone.

What is the definition of Torture?

the act of causing somebody severe pain in order to punish them or make them say or do something

How do you use Torture in a sentence?

Many of the refugees have suffered torture.

Can you give another example of Torture?

the use of torture

What are synonyms for Torture?

Common alternatives include torment, afflict, excruciate, punish, pain.

What is the opposite of Torture?

Opposite meanings include relief, comfort.

What words go with Torture?

It commonly pairs with brutal, systematic, mental, inflict, endure, suffer, camp, chamber, room, brutal, systematic, mental, inflict, endure, suffer, camp, chamber, room.

What are common mistakes when using Torture?

Confusing with 'torment', which is less severe. Using 'torture' in non-physical contexts too broadly. Mispronouncing the second syllable.

How do you pronounce Torture?

US: /["/ˈtɔːrtʃər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈtɔːtʃə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Torture formal or informal?

"Torture" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Torture?

Typically used in legal or humanitarian contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation as it may be too intense or graphic for light topics.

What CEFR level is Torture?

"Torture" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.