torrid
Americanadjective
adjective
-
so hot and dry as to parch or scorch
-
arid or parched
-
highly charged emotionally
a torrid love scene
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of torrid
1580–90; < Latin torridus dried up, parched, equivalent to torr ( ēre ) to parch, burn ( see torrent, thirst) + -idus -id 4
Explanation
Torrid can mean "emotionally charged and passionate," like a torrid romance in a soap opera. But if you’re listening to a torrid band, you’re simply hearing musicians that have a lot of energy. Torrid is an adjective that can literally describe something extremely hot — like a torrid afternoon in the desert. It also describes something that's very energetic, or something that has an extreme emotional charge — which is why people often apply torrid to intense romantic relationships. Torrid comes from the Latin word torrere, meaning “parch or scorch.”
Vocabulary lists containing torrid
Term-ometer: Synonyms for "Hot"
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Hamilton
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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.
Constraints on computing power, independent of its cost, could be another headwind for Muse if user growth continues at a torrid pace.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
Seoul and Tokyo were boosted as chipmakers and other key players in the AI buildout boom chalked up healthy gains, following a torrid few weeks fuelled by concerns about profitability and debt financing.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
It has been a torrid week for the royals with allegations from Prince William's uncle, Earl Spencer about his parents.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
In September 2020, stocks moved lower after a torrid summer rebound rally that saw major indexes claw back their COVID-19-related losses.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
The torrid cracks of the furnace gleamed in the crimson darkness and he heard the throaty undertone of the draft devouring the air.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
