ENGLISH
REFERENCE

torturing

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɔɹtʃɝɪŋ// UK //tˈɔːtʃəɹɪŋ// tor·tur·ing

v. causing someone great physical or mental pain. You use this when someone is hurting another person on purpose to get information or as a punishment.

v. inflicting severe physical or mental suffering on someone. Present participle of 'torture'; functions as a continuous verb form or a gerund.


SIMPLE

The loud noise is torturing the neighbors.

CONTEXTUAL

The prisoner claimed that the guards were torturing him to extract a confession.

COMPLEX

Historians have documented various methods used for torturing political dissidents during that era, highlighting the systemic cruelty of the regime.

Synonyms
Usage

As a verb, it is transitive and requires an object. When used figuratively, it describes intense annoyance or distress.

Pitfall

The torturing of the prisoner was cruel.The torture of the prisoner was cruel.Learners often use the participle 'torturing' as a noun when the standard noun 'torture' is more appropriate for the act itself.

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