excruciate

[ ik-skroo-shee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·cru·ci·at·ed, ex·cru·ci·at·ing.

1. to inflict severe pain upon; torture:

   The headache excruciated him.

2. to cause mental anguish to; irritate greatly.

excruciate

/ ɪkˈskruːʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• exˌcruciˈation, noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciate¹

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

Example Sentences

PC Coates felt "the most excruciating pain" and realised he was "savagely biting" her arm.

From BBC

Mr O'Hara said he immediately felt an "excruciating pain" but his visitor told him that was a normal reaction, then left in a hurry.

From BBC

But thankfully, the excruciating dating show concludes just as abruptly as it begins.

From Salon

It's been 10 months since my family left Gaza but we continue to live with the loss, the pain, the impact of the war in all its excruciating detail.

From BBC

No wonder he’s considered the greatest Dodgers pitcher of all time and no wonder he was forced to retire a year later because of excruciating arm pain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agonize