View synonyms for excruciate

excruciate

[ ik-skroo-shee-eyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, ex·cru·ci·at·ed, ex·cru·ci·at·ing.

to inflict severe pain upon; torture:
The headache excruciated him.
to cause mental anguish to; irritate greatly.

excruciate

/ ɪkˈskruːʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

to inflict mental suffering on; torment
obsolete.
to inflict physical pain on; torture

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Derived Forms

exˌcruciˈation, noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciate¹

1560–70; < Latin excruciātus, past participle of excruciāre to torment, torture, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + cruciāre to torment, crucify (derivative of crux cross); -ate ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciate¹

C16: from Latin excruciāre, from cruciāre to crucify, from crux cross

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Example Sentences

The experience has been excruciating for the couple and their four children.

From Voice of San Diego

He complained of excruciating back pain, and prison records show he had previously been diagnosed with sciatica.

From ProPublica

He will be vulgarly stuck up, and excruciate me with every French word he attempts to pronounce.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay, that is a cruel religion, which would excruciate hereafter those who enjoy now.

From Project Gutenberg

But I need not excruciate you any longer;—any commands for town?

From Project Gutenberg

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excretory system excruciating

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