Definitions

1. noun

the act of inflicting severe pain, especially as a form of punishment, or the state of being subjected to such pain

“The human rights group accused the government of torture during the uprising.”

2. verb

to cause severe pain, especially as a form of punishment or to extract information

“The suspect was tortured to extract a confession.”

3. noun

a source of intense and often prolonged mental or emotional distress

“The loss of her loved one was a torture for her.”