Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - excruciating

1. If you describe something as excruciating, you are emphasizing that it is extremely painful, either physically or emotionally. I was in excruciating pain and one leg wouldn’t move... = unbearable ADJ c darkgreen]emphasis • excruciatingly He found the transition to boarding school excruciatingly painful... ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV after v 2. If you describe something as excruciating, you mean that it is very unpleasant to experience, for example because it is very boring or embarrassing. Meanwhile, the boredom is excruciating... There was a moment of excruciating silence. ADJ • excruciatingly The dialogue is excruciatingly embarrassing. ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v