instrument of torture
Inflicts suffering deliberately
An instrument of torture is a device designed to inflict pain, typically to extract confessions or punish.
The rack, thumbscrews, and iron maiden are historical examples.
Figuratively, anything causing prolonged suffering qualifies: This waiting room chair is an instrument of torture.
The violin became an instrument of torture in the hands of a beginner.
- iron maidenSpike-lined torture cabinet
- iron bootTorture device for legs
- guillotineVertical beheading apparatus
- thumbscrewCompression torture device
- rackFrame for holding items
brazen bull · garrote · waterboarding · stocks · pillory · ducking stool · cat-o'-nine-tails · bastinado · blindfold · branding iron · electric shock · gag
instrument of tortureresuscitator
Life-saving breathing device
defibrillator · ventilator · prosthetic · pacemaker · security blanket
instrument, instruments, instrumental, instrumentally, instrumentation, instrumentalist, torture, tortures, tortured