waterboarding

American  

[waw-ter-bawr-ding, wot-er‑] / ˈwɔ tərˌbɔr dɪŋ, ˈwɒt ər‑ /

noun

1. a form of torture in which water is poured onto the face and head of the immobilized victim so as to induce a fear of drowning.

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waterboarding British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌbɔːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a form of torture in which the victim is immobilized and has water poured on his or her face, producing a severe gag reflex, to simulate drowning

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Etymology

Origin of waterboarding

First recorded in 2000–05; water + board + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

waterboarding

A CIA spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a follow-up email about the lack of waterboarding mentions.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 24, 2022

Among other issues, Levin was an outspoken critic of waterboarding and other so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques” authorized by the Bush administration for use against detainees.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2021

John Kiriakou, former CIA officer imprisoned after exposing classified information about CIA waterboarding;

From Salon ● Dec. 23, 2020

If you thought the comedian could never do anything wilder than getting Dick Cheney to sign a waterboarding kit for him in his 2018 Showtime series, “Who Is America?” you would be wrong.

From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2020

James E. Mitchell and John “Bruce” Jessen, psychologists in Spokane, Washington, were hired by the CIA as independent contractors, developed the interrogation program, and, according to the Senate report, took part in waterboarding Zubaydah.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 19, 2019