suplicio

torment

noun soo-PLEE-syoh Rare

Origin: From Latin supplicium, meaning 'punishment' or 'entreaty'.

Also means

ordeal

Usage Note

Suplicio can refer to both literal physical torture and, more commonly today, an intensely unpleasant experience or ordeal. Saying es un suplicio about a long meeting or a difficult task is a common hyperbole. The related verb is supliciar, but it is rare; torturar is more frequently used.

Examples

"Esperar fue un verdadero suplicio."

Natural Translation

Waiting was a real ordeal.

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