Torture refers to the act of inflicting severe physical or psychological pain on someone as a means of punishment, coercion, or revenge. It can involve various methods such as beatings, electric shocks, waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and other forms of cruel treatment that violate human rights and international law. The purpose of torture is to force someone to reveal information, confess to a crime they did not commit, or submit to the will of their captors. Torture is considered a grave breach of human dignity and is condemned by most countries and international organizations.