excruciate

[ik-skroo-shee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

excruciated, excruciating 

1. to inflict severe pain upon; torture.

   The headache excruciated him.

2. to cause mental anguish to; irritate greatly.

excruciate

/ ɪkˈskruːʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to inflict mental suffering on; torment

2. obsolete,  to inflict physical pain on; torture

Other Word Forms

• excruciation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciate¹

1560–70; < Latin excruciātus, past participle of excruciāre to torment, torture, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + cruciāre to torment, crucify (derivative of crux cross); -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciate¹

C16: from Latin excruciāre, from cruciāre to crucify, from crux cross

Example Sentences

“He worked through what surely must have been excruciating pain and delivered a hilarious, touching performance, and he is the soul of this movie.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a few minutes of excruciating silence, he texted back: “Yeah!”

From Los Angeles Times

Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Biles was among the New York crowd as third seed Gauff toiled in a first set which was excruciating to watch at times.

From BBC

The sweeping diagnosis includes everyone from people who treasure their neurological differences to those with debilitating symptoms, including repetitive behaviors, excruciating sensitivity to touch and sounds, and difficulty responding to social situations.

From Salon

Weighing six stone and on the brink of organ failure, Charlotte Chapman-Hart is admitted to hospital in excruciating pain.

From BBC

Related Words

• agonize