Torturous
mediumNegative toneTOR-cher-us
adjective
Definition
Involving or causing torture or suffering; painful
Memory hook
TORTURE-OUS: causing TORTURE and pain — agonizingly painful.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The torturous interrogation lasted for hours.”
“Waiting for results was torturous.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ interrogation lasted for hours.”
Show answer
torturous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Torturous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "agonizing" or "excruciating" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pleasant".
Related GRE Words
arduous
Requiring great effort; difficult and tiring
dystopian
Relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
abstract
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
acclaim
Enthusiastic public praise or approval
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