Summary: The Term Torture

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The term “Torture” derives from the Latin word “tortus” meaning “twisted. Torture involves the intentional infliction of physical or mental pain on a person to fulfill some desire of the perpetrator or to compel some action from the victim. The following are some general definitions of torture.
1. Torture is the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer cruelty.
2. Merriam Webster defines torture as the act of causing severe physical pain as a form of punishment or as a way to force someone to do or say something.
Moreover, there are international instruments which define the term torture. For example, a very broad definition of torture has been presented

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