waterboarding

American  

[waw-ter-bawr-ding, wot-er‑] / ˈwɔ tərˌbɔr dɪŋ, ˈwɒt ər‑ /

noun

1. a form of torture in which water is poured onto the face and head of the immobilized victim so as to induce a fear of drowning.

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waterboarding British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌbɔːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a form of torture in which the victim is immobilized and has water poured on his or her face, producing a severe gag reflex, to simulate drowning

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Etymology

Origin of waterboarding

First recorded in 2000–05; water + board + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Under Feinstein’s leadership, the intelligence committee conducted a wide-ranging, five-year investigation into CIA interrogation techniques during President George W. Bush’s administration, including waterboarding of terrorism suspects at secret overseas prisons.

From Washington Times • Sep. 29, 2023

A CIA spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a follow-up email about the lack of waterboarding mentions.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2022

The two freshmen in the waterboarding case are white.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2021

John Kiriakou, former CIA officer imprisoned after exposing classified information about CIA waterboarding;

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2020

Dick Cheney is generally absent, as are any real discussions of waterboarding or renditions or Guantánamo.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2019