waterboarding

[ waw-ter-bawr-ding, wot-er‑ ]

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.

waterboarding

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterboarding¹

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

Example Sentences

A number of Japanese soldiers were criminally charged and convicted for waterboarding and otherwise torturing prisoners.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S. took a more serious view of waterboarding when it was done to Americans in World War II.

From The Daily Beast

They might have scored all that dough if word of the waterboarding had not leaked.

From The Daily Beast

I know of the waterboarding of the three guys pursuant to the August 2002 program.

From The Daily Beast

But there were no beatings, no waterboarding, no rough stuff at all.

From The Daily Beast