WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
the deliberate, systematic, or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons in an attempt to force another person to yield information or to make a confession or for any other reason
adjective.
extremely painful
Word Usage
"This man is a criminal, as is anyone else who knew about and participated in torturing detainees."