Excruciating

Excruciating describes something intensely painful or agonizing, whether physical or emotional. It implies a level of suffering that is almost unbearable, exceeding ordinary levels of discomfort. The term can relate to sensations, experiences, or even psychological states. Excruciating pain may manifest as sharp, stabbing, throbbing, or relentless, making it difficult to concentrate or function. The word conveys a heightened degree of suffering, suggesting a distress that is deeply felt and difficult to endure, leaving the individual in a state of intense agony. It's often used in situations where the suffering is prolonged, severe, and potentially overwhelming the senses.

Excruciating meaning with examples

• After breaking his ankle in the game, the pain was excruciating. It was a constant throbbing that made him nauseous and prevented him from moving. The paramedics administered the strongest pain medication they had, but it offered only marginal relief. Even with ice and elevation, the injury continued to cause him to be in agonizing distress.
• The silence in the courtroom after the verdict was handed down was excruciating. It felt thick and heavy, a suffocating blanket of unspoken tension. Every second stretched on, amplifying the emotions of the families, the legal team, and the defendant as they struggled to take in the reality of what had happened. The gravity of the situation felt unbearable to everyone.
• The memory of his mistakes during the presentation was excruciating. He cringed at the recollection, feeling a wave of shame wash over him. He wished he could erase the event. It was a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. The criticism stung and the way that he felt that the audience had perceived him felt mortifying.
• The dentist's drilling of the cavity proved to be an Excruciating procedure. The high-pitched whine of the drill, combined with the pressure in his mouth, was incredibly jarring. He gripped the chair's armrests. Although he requested a local anesthetic, the feeling remained. He kept wanting to jump out of the dentist's chair.
• The waiting period to get the test results back was excruciating. The uncertainty gnawed at her, making it hard to sleep. The time felt much longer than it was, each passing moment laden with the potential of bad news. She was on edge and the fear of the unknown created intense anxiety. The suspense caused an unimaginable burden.