Thumbscrew definitions
| Word backwards | wercsbmuht |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | thumb-screw |
| Plural | The plural of the word "thumbscrew" is thumbscrews. |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (2) | u,e |
| Consonants (8) | t,h,m,b,s,c,r,w |
Thumbscrews were a type of instrument of torture used in medieval Europe. They were primarily used to extract confessions or punish individuals who were accused of crimes. Thumbscrews were simple devices consisting of two metal bars connected by a screw. The bars would be placed on either side of the victim's thumb, and the screw would be tightened, crushing the thumb between the bars.
History of Thumbscrews
Thumbscrews have a long history and were commonly used during the Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century. They were also used in other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages as a form of judicial punishment. Thumbscrews were typically used on the thumbs, but they could also be applied to other fingers or toes.
Design and Construction
Thumbscrews were often made of iron or steel, making them durable and able to withstand the pressure applied when tightened. The screw mechanism allowed for precise control over the amount of pressure exerted on the victim's digit. This made thumbscrews a versatile tool for inflicting pain and eliciting confessions.
Usage and Effects
When applied, thumbscrews caused excruciating pain as the pressure increased on the victim's digit. The crushing sensation was not only physically painful but also psychologically tormenting, making it an effective tool for extracting information or forcing confessions. In some cases, the pressure exerted by thumbscrews could cause permanent damage or even the loss of the digit.
Despite being a tool of torture, thumbscrews were widely used during the Middle Ages and beyond. They were a grim reminder of the brutal methods used to extract information or punish individuals accused of crimes. Thumbscrews were eventually phased out as more humane forms of punishment and interrogation techniques were developed.
Thumbscrew Examples
- The interrogator tightened the thumbscrew on the captive's finger.
- The dictator used thumbscrews to extract false confessions from political dissidents.
- In medieval times, the thumbscrew was a common tool of torture.
- The thief felt the cold metal of the thumbscrew pressing into his flesh.
- During the Inquisition, the thumbscrew was used to punish those accused of heresy.
- The detective found a thumbscrew in the suspect's toolbox, indicating foul play.
- The carpenter used a thumbscrew to tightly clamp two pieces of wood together.
- As a prank, the mischievous child placed a thumbscrew on their teacher's desk.
- The museum displayed a collection of ancient thumbscrews used in various historical periods.
- The mechanic tightened the thumbscrew on the engine to prevent any leaks.