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.
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 annoy
'nerven' and 'foltern' can both express that something is very unpleasant for someone. 'nerven' fits bothersome or repeated behavior, for example noise, questions, or waiting. 'foltern' is much stronger. Literally, it means to intentionally inflict great pain on someone. In its figurative meaning, it is used when something is extremely tormenting. For that reason, 'foltern' often sounds dramatic or exaggerated. For normal everyday annoyances, 'nerven' is more natural.
Nora foltert uns mit immer neuen Fragen zum Projekt.
Nora is torturing us with ever more questions about the project.
Die ständigen Nachrichten nerven mich während der Arbeit.
The constant messages annoy me while I'm working.