βασανίζω

Etymology

From Ancient Greek βασανίζω (basanízō, “to examine, to investigate”), modern sense developed from the association of investigations and inquisitions of prisoners with physical tortures.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /vasaˈnizo/
• Hyphenation: βα‧σα‧νί‧ζω

Verb

βασανίζω • (vasanízo) (simple past βασάνισα, passive βασανίζομαι)

1. (transitive) torture (intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering on)

   Βασάνισαν τον αιχμάλωτο για να ομολογήσει. ― Vasánisan ton aichmáloto gia na omologísei. ― They tortured the prisoner so that he would confess.

2. (transitive, figuratively) torture, torment, rack, be killing (cause severe suffering to)

   Αυτό το αγόρι βασανίζει τους καημένους τους γονείς του. ― Aftó to agóri vasanízei tous kaïménous tous goneís tou. ― This boy tortures his poor parents.

   Πρέπει να δω τον οδοντίατρο, με βασανίζει αυτό το δόντι. ― Prépei na do ton odontíatro, me vasanízei aftó to dónti. ― I have to see the dentist, this tooth is killing me.

3. (transitive, figuratively) torment, rack (cause mental suffering to)

   Μήνες τώρα με βασανίζουν οι τύψεις. ― Mínes tóra me vasanízoun oi týpseis. ― For months now, I've been tormented with guilt.

4. (transitive, rare, formal) probe, pore over, investigate (examine something carefully and attentively)

   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.