Search Dictionary
Definition of torturous

torturous

/ˈtɔːrtʃərəs/
tor · tur · ous
Adverb:torturously
JUMP TO:

torturous Lexical Profile

torturous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by, involving, or causing extreme pain, agony, or suffering.

Example

"The marathon runners endured a torturous climb up the steep mountain pass in the blazing heat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for torturous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for torturous

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with "tortuous." "Torturous" relates to torture and means involving or causing severe pain and suffering, whereas "tortuous" means full of twists and turns or excessively complex and convoluted.

• Nearby Words

torture
tortured
torturer
torturous
torturously
tory
tosh

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun "torture" (via Old French from Late Latin "tortura," meaning "a twisting" or "torment," derived from the Latin verb "torquere," "to twist") plus the suffix "-ous."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Torturous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/torturous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.