KJV Dictionary Definition: torture

torture

TORT'URE, n. L. tortus, torqueo, to twist.

1. Extreme pain; anguish of body or mind; pang; agony; torment.

Ghastly spasm or racking torture.

2. Severe pain inflicted judicially, either as a punishment for a crime, or for the purpose of extorting a confession from an accused person. Torture may be and is inflicted in a variety of ways, as by water or fire, or by the boot or thumbkin. But the most usual mode is by the rack or wheel.

TORT'URE, v.t. To pain to extremity; to torment.

1. To punish with torture; to put to the rack; as, to torture an accused person.

2. To vex; to harass.

3. To keep on the stretch, as a bow. Not in use.

tortured

TORT'URED, pp. Tormented; stretched on the wheel; harassed.

torturer

TORT'URER, n. One who tortures; a tormenter.

torturing

TORT'URING, ppr. Tormenting; stretching on the rack; vexing.

torturingly

TORT'URINGLY, adv. So as to torture or torment.

torturous

TORT'UROUS, a. Tormenting. Not in use.