instrument of torture

• Dispositif ou objet utilisé pour infliger une douleur intense ou une punition, souvent associé aux méthodes historiques d'interrogatoire ou de châtiment. Il peut aussi être employé métaphoriquement pour décrire quelque chose d'extrêmement désagréable ou pénible.

A device or object used to inflict severe pain or punishment, often associated with historical interrogation or punishment methods. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something extremely unpleasant or uncomfortable.

1. Physical device for inflicting painC1formal

   An object or device specifically designed or used to cause severe physical pain or suffering, often for punishment or coercion.

   instrument de torture

   • The museum displayed medieval instruments of torture like the rack and the iron maiden.
   • The interrogators used various instruments of torture to extract information.
   • Historically, the thumbscrew was a common instrument of torture.

2. Figurative source of sufferingB2informal

   Something that causes extreme mental or emotional distress, often used metaphorically.

   instrument de torture (figuré)

   • That long, boring lecture was an instrument of torture.
   • Waiting for the test results felt like an instrument of torture.
   • The constant noise from the construction site was an instrument of torture for the residents.