to torture
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to torture
To intentionally inflict great physical or emotional pain on someone in order to punish, intimidate, or force them to make a statement.
Die Menschenrechtsorganisation kämpft dagegen, dass politische Gefangene gefoltert werden.
The human rights organization is fighting against political prisoners being tortured.
to torture
In a figurative sense, to torment someone severely or put them through something difficult, for example by making them wait a long time or asking constant questions.
Er folterte seine Zuhörer mit einem stundenlangen, langweiligen Vortrag.
He tortured his listeners with an hours-long, boring lecture.
The verb 'foltern' (to torture) belongs to the word family around the noun 'die Folter' (torture). Other related words are 'das Folteropfer' (torture victim) or 'die Foltermethode' (torture method).
Die Ausstellung dokumentiert die Geschichte der Folter im Mittelalter.
The exhibition documents the history of torture in the Middle Ages.
In its literal meaning, 'foltern' (to torture) is an extremely strong and emotionally charged word. It describes cruel acts and is used mainly in contexts such as war, crime, or serious human rights violations.
Das internationale Recht verbietet es, Kriegsgefangene zu foltern.
International law forbids torturing prisoners of war.
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'jemanden mit etwas foltern' (to torture someone with something) is often used. The 'something' is then the source of the torment, for example constant questions or a long wait.
Bitte foltere mich nicht länger und sag mir endlich, was los ist!
Please don't torture me any longer and finally tell me what's going on!
to torment / to struggle
Quälen and foltern can both express intentionally causing great physical or emotional suffering. Foltern, however, usually refers to a deliberate, systematic act, for example to punish, intimidate, or force someone to make a statement. Quälen is more general when this specific aim or method is not the focus.
Die Täter folterten den Gefangenen, um ein Geständnis zu erzwingen.
The perpetrators tortured the prisoner to force a confession.
Die ständigen Schmerzen quälen den verletzten Mann seit Tagen.
The constant pain has been tormenting the injured man for days.
