excruciate
UK: ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt | US: ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt
vt. to inflict severe pain or torment (physical or mental)
The word "excruciate" originates from Latin excruciare, combining ex- (intensifying "out" or "thoroughly") and cruciare (to torture, from crux, meaning "cross"). The connection to "cross" reflects the extreme agony associated with crucifixion. Over time, the term broadened to describe any intense suffering, physical or emotional. The morpheme cruci preserves its link to torture, while ex- amplifies the severity.
The patient cried out as the untreated wound began to excruciate him.
Her guilt over the mistake excruciated her for years.
The documentary excruciates viewers with its graphic depictions of war.
He felt excruciated by the relentless pressure of his responsibilities.
The memory of his failure still excruciates him.