Now follow the dots.

B

They lead to the end of #9.

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1984 300TD

As you well know, the list of definitions proceeds from the most common usage to the least common usage, of which you chose the last in the list.

Even so, that definition doesn't include include the infamous waterboard.

B

It doesn't include the Iron Maiden either.

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1984 300TD

It is included as #2 to inflict #1.

1.the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer cruelty.
2.a method of inflicting such pain.

Ah, I misunderstood what you meant by included.

In that case, waterboarding could be

4.extreme anguish of body or mind; agony.
5.a cause of severe pain or anguish.
7.to afflict with severe pain of body or mind



I've never suffered it, so I can't say for sure. But, I'm more concerned with hearing what they've been doing, then judging how torturous it is. Water boarding is just one thing they do.

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1984 300TD

That's the one method that folks focus on so I assume it is the one that they use. I have not heard of any allegations of approved techniques involving inflicting of #1, #2, or #3.

I suspect that the loophole used by the interrogators is the degree to which their methodologies inflict anguish or pain to the mind. For example, I would be in a severe state of anguished distress were I so unfortunate as to be locked-up in a prison. I have seen people come ungued by chalk squeaking on a chalkboard. Then there's the loud rock music used against Manuel Noriega in Panama.

In general, it's awfully hard to measure something as subjective and variable as mental pain. I'd sure be interested in a proper definition.

B