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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

waterboarding

Under Feinstein’s leadership, the intelligence committee conducted a wide-ranging, five-year investigation into CIA interrogation techniques during President George W. Bush’s administration, including waterboarding of terrorism suspects at secret overseas prisons.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 29, 2023

It was so dark in the room, he testified, that he had no clue about what he called “the alleged waterboarding incident” until he was told about it the next day.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2021

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

From Washington Post ● Jul. 29, 2021

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

The show made headlines for featuring Dick Cheney signing a waterboarding kit and a cut segment starring Sarah Palin, who accused Cohen of mocking military veterans because of one of his disguises.

From Salon ● Dec. 20, 2018

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