torture
noun
the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer cruelty.
have been torturing
-
present perfect progressiveof torture.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The worms have been torturing humans since before history began.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2013
When Briony was obliged by her cousin’s fierce stare to raise an eyebrow, she continued, “The twins have been torturing me.”
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
I have been torturing my brain about that for the last twenty-four hours.
From The Zeppelin's Passenger by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
In nine cases out of ten, while you have been torturing yourself, the toothache has stopped, or the poor martyr has shaken off his troubles, and gone off to play golf.
From Lady Cassandra by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
For the last fortnight you have been torturing me with that child, by keeping him near me, with the idea that I should end by nursing him.
From Fruitfulness by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly
