"to torture, torment, inflict very severe pain on," as if by crucifying, 1560s, from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare "to torture, torment, rack, plague;" figuratively "to afflict, harass, vex, torment," from ex "out, out from; thoroughly" (see ex-) + cruciare "cause pain or anguish to," literally " ...

What does excruciating mean?

1 : causing great pain or anguish : agonizing the nation's most excruciating dilemma— W. H. Ferry. 2 : very intense : extreme excruciating pain. Other Words from excruciating Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About excruciating.

What is the context clue of excruciating?

extremely painful; causing intense suffering; unbearably distressing; torturing: an excruciating noise; excruciating pain. exceedingly elaborate or intense; extreme: done with excruciating care.