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

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

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

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