excruciating /ɪkˈskɹuːʃi.eɪtɪŋ/ adjective2 •Causing great pain or anguish, agonizing •Exceedingly intense; extremeWhen he at last opened his eyes, he was conscious of nothing but an excruciating pain through his temples. He was vaguely aware of unfamiliar surroundings. — 1922 formsmore excruciating · most excruciating