βασανίζω (vasanízo)

Pronunciation

Definitions & Examples

• verb:
  (transitive) to torture (intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on)
  Examples:

  • Βασάνισαν τον αιχμάλωτο για να ομολογήσει.Vasánisan ton aichmáloto gia na omologísei.
  • They tortured the prisoner so that he would confess.
• verb:
  (transitive, figuratively) to torture, torment, rack, be killing (cause severe suffering to)
  Examples:

  • Αυτό το αγόρι βασανίζει τους καημένους τους γονείς του.Aftó to agóri vasanízei tous kaïménous tous goneís tou.
  • This boy is torturing his poor parents.
• verb:
  (transitive, figuratively) to torment, rack (cause mental suffering to)
  Examples:

  • Μήνες τώρα με βασανίζουν οι τύψεις.Mínes tóra me vasanízoun oi týpseis.
  • For months now, I've been tormented with guilt.
• verb:
  (transitive, rare, formal) to probe, pore over, investigate (examine something carefully and attentively)
  Examples:

  • Πρέπει να βασανίσω τα στοιχεία προτού καταλήξω σε απόφαση.Prépei na vasaníso ta stoicheía protoú katalíxo se apófasi.
  • I have to pore over the facts before I come to a decision.