torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯr-chə-rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
ˈtȯrch-
1
a
: very unpleasant or painful
a torturous day
torturous self-doubts
b
: causing torture
torturous inquisitions
2
: painfully difficult or slow
the torturous course of the negotiations
torturously adverb

Examples of torturous in a Sentence

relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two halves of this character combine in a captivating performance for which Goggins was happy to endure a torturous prosthetic. Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 13 June 2024 According to the political scientist Pierre Englebert, the Congolese government and people lose as much as $4 billion in revenue every year due to state agents’ manipulation of mining contracts and payments, torturous budget practices, and outright theft. Stephen R. Weissman, Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2015 The right boots, however, can make previously torturous bell-to-bell days no big deal. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 9 Oct. 2024 Parking is torturous enough through the Melrose corridor on the weekdays, plus giving a restaurant staff off on Saturday and Sunday seems boldly civilized. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torturous 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of torturous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near torturous

Cite this Entry

“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

torturous

adjective
tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯrch-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
: causing great pain
torturously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on torturous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!