Basic Details
Word: Torture
Part of Speech: Noun (also a verb)
Meaning: The act of causing severe pain, suffering, or distress to someone, often to punish them or force them to do something.
Synonyms: Suffering, agony, torment
Antonyms: Comfort, relief, ease
Idioms and Phrases
- Run the gauntlet: To go through a series of difficulties or challenges. Example: "She had to run the gauntlet of interviews before finally getting the job."
- Pain in the neck: Someone or something that causes annoyance and trouble. Example: "Working late every night has been a real pain in the neck for him."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The prisoners faced extreme torture in order to extract information.
Example 2: She described the long wait for the results as a form of mental torture.
Example 3: Many people believe that torture is never justified, regardless of the circumstances.
Fun Fact
The word "torture" comes from the Latin word "tormentum," meaning "a tool for twisting." This reflects the painful nature of torture methods used throughout history.
Famous Quote
"Torture is the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering... It is a mark of a civil society to abolish it." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "torture" mean?
a) An act of kindness
b) Causing severe pain or distress
c) A type of food
d) A musical instrument
Answer: b) Causing severe pain or distress
2. Which of these is a synonym of "torture"?
a) Comfort
b) Suffering
c) Freedom
d) Joy
Answer: b) Suffering
3. What is an antonym of "torture"?
a) Ease
b) Agony
c) Torment
d) Pain
Answer: a) Ease
4. Which sentence uses "torture" correctly?
a) He bought a new car that was a real torture.
b) Waiting for the exam results felt like torture.
c) The cake tasted like chocolate torture.
d) The tour of the museum was torture.
Answer: b) Waiting for the exam results felt like torture.
5. Which idiom is most related to the idea of "torture"?
a) Run the gauntlet
b) Fit as a fiddle
c) As easy as pie
d) Kill two birds with one stone
Answer: a) Run the gauntlet
