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.
was torturing
-
past progressiveof torture.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Jacqueline McKenzie, a solicitor representing hundreds of Windrush victims, told the BBC the scheme was "torturing people" by asking them for "copious amounts of evidence which people just don't have".
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2023
The coach looked at me like I was torturing my child, and simply uttered, “I hope he doesn’t get too rusty.”
From The Guardian ● Dec. 11, 2019
An amateur singer was torturing a guitar somewhere in the building; tinny strains filtered down to the cafe where we sat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2018
But Bregman said Bergoglio’s own statements proved church officials knew from early on that the junta was torturing and killing its citizens, and yet publicly endorsed the dictators.
From Time ● Mar. 13, 2013
Jonas braced himself and entered the memory which was torturing The Giver.
From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
