# torturing

/ˈtɔɹtʃɝɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈɔːtʃəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/torturing
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The loud noise is torturing the neighbors.
- The prisoner claimed that the guards were torturing him to extract a confession.
- Historians have documented various methods used for torturing political dissidents during that era, highlighting the systemic cruelty of the regime.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The torturing of the prisoner was cruel." but "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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.