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

Then, colliding with another soggy system sliding north off the Pacific, the storm wobbled and its clouds tipped, waterboarding south central Texas with an extraordinary 20 inches of rain.

From Salon • Jul. 10, 2025

The two freshmen in the waterboarding case are white.

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

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

Dick Cheney is generally absent, as are any real discussions of waterboarding or renditions or Guantánamo.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2019