torturing
Causing extreme suffering
Torturing is the present participle of torture—inflicting severe pain or suffering, typically to extract information, punish, or terrorize.
The word extends to causing intense mental anguish: Stop torturing yourself over what you said.
It also describes prolonged frustration or anticipation: The suspense was torturing me.
Intensely painful or distressing
- excruciatingCausing extreme suffering
- unbearableImpossible to endure
- painfulCausing hurt or ache
- tormentingCausing severe distress
grueling · harrowing · punishing · maddening · insufferable · hellish · nightmarish · anguishing
Causing severe distress
- mentalOf the mind
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
intimidation · brainwashing · humiliation · isolation · degradation · mind games · breaking · coercion
Causing to undergo
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
thrashing · lashing · flogging · whipping · mutilation · electrocution · waterboarding · rack
agonizing
Intensely painful or distressing
- excruciatingCausing extreme suffering
- unbearableImpossible to endure
- painfulCausing hurt or ache
tormenting · grueling · harrowing · punishing · maddening · insufferable · hellish · nightmarish · anguishing · gnawing
tormenting
Causing severe distress
- mentalOf the mind
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
gaslighting · intimidation · brainwashing · humiliation · isolation · degradation · mind games · breaking · coercion · deprivation
inflicting
Causing to undergo
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
beating · thrashing · lashing · flogging · whipping · mutilation · electrocution · waterboarding · rack · thumbscrews
torturingsoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
comforting · relieving · alleviating · healing · easing
torturingrapport-building
Developing comfortable professional connection
persuading · coaxing · negotiating · requesting · befriending
torturingnurturing
Supportive care-giving
caring for · cherishing · pampering · tending · protecting