racking
/ˈrækɪŋ/
ADJECTIVE
1. Causing severe physical or mental suffering
Causing intense physical pain, emotional distress, or mental anguish; extremely painful or distressing.
1.1. Causing intense physical pain
Describing something that produces severe bodily pain, discomfort, or suffering.
Synonyms
- agonizing
- excruciating
- torturous
- torturing
- wrenching
- harrowing
- grueling
- painful
- severe
- distressing
Antonyms
Examples
- The injured athlete endured racking pain after the accident.
- She experienced racking headaches that made it difficult to work.
Related Words
1.2. Causing intense emotional or mental distress
Describing an experience, thought, or situation that causes overwhelming anxiety, worry, grief, or emotional suffering.
Synonyms
- harrowing
- anguishing
- tormenting
- distressing
- agonizing
- wrenching
- traumatic
- troubling
- upsetting
- nerve-racking
Antonyms
Examples
- Waiting for the final medical results was a racking experience.
- The family went through a racking period of uncertainty.
Related Words
VERB
2. Subjecting someone or something to severe strain
Putting someone or something under intense physical, emotional, or mental pressure, often causing exhaustion or damage.
2.1. Causing physical or mental strain
Putting considerable pressure on a person's body or mind, resulting in fatigue, discomfort, or distress.
Synonyms
- straining
- taxing
- stressing
- overburdening
- exhausting
- overworking
- burdening
- pressuring
- tormenting
Antonyms
- relieving
- resting
- easing
- refreshing
- comforting
- relaxing
Examples
- The long working hours were racking her physically and mentally.
- The demanding schedule kept racking the team's energy and concentration.
Related Words
- pressure
- stress
- fatigue
- exhaustion
- overexertion
- strain