Webster's English Dictionary

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torture

Cross references:
  1. afflict               
 
1. tor.ture \'to.r-ch*r\ n [F, fr. LL tortura, fr. L tortus, pp. of 
   torque-re to twis]t; akin to OHG dra-hsil turner, Gk atraktos spindle 1: 
   the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding)  to 
   punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure 2a: anguish of body or mind : 
   AGONY  2b: something that causes agony or pain  3: distortion or 
   overrefinement of a meaning or an argument : STRAININ G
2. torture \'to.rch-(*-)rin\ \'to.r-ch*r-*r\ vt or tor.tur.ing 1: to punish 
   or coerce by inflicting excruciating pain  2: to cause intense suffering to 
   : TORMENT  3: to twist or wrench out of shape : DISTORT, WARP  - tor.tur.er 
   n