WATERBOARDING Meaning and
Definition
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Waterboarding is a controversial and internationally condemned interrogation technique characterized by the controlled and forced administration of water into a restrained individual's airways to induce a sensation of drowning or suffocation. It involves immobilizing the recipient on a flat surface, often with their head lower than their feet, and covering their face with a cloth or plastic wrap. This is followed by pouring water over the cloth or wrap, which obstructs the person's breathing, causing them to experience an acute and overwhelming fear of drowning.
The term "waterboarding" is believed to have originated from the practice of using water as an instrument of torture, which dates back centuries. Historically, waterboarding was executed in various ways and typically intended to extract information or coerce a confession. In modern times, waterboarding is widely considered to be a form of torture and an inhumane violation of human rights. In fact, several international conventions and treaties, such as the United Nations Convention against Torture, explicitly prohibit the use of waterboarding.
Due to its highly controversial nature, debates surrounding the legality and ethics of waterboarding have been prevalent, particularly in relation to its usage by government agencies, such as intelligence and security services. Critics argue that waterboarding constitutes torture, as it induces extreme physical and psychological distress. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that its use is justified in certain situations to gather crucial intelligence that may prevent potential acts of terrorism or protect national security.
Common Misspellings for WATERBOARDING
Etymology of WATERBOARDING
The word "waterboarding" originates from the combination of two English words: "water" and "boarding".
"Water", deriving from the Old English word "wæter", refers to the clear, colorless liquid that covers most of the Earth's surface and is essential for the survival of living organisms.
"Boarding" refers to the act of placing a person on a board, generally associated with providing accommodation or transporting individuals. It comes from the Old English word "bord", which means a flat, rigid surface.
Together, "waterboarding" refers to a specific method of torture or interrogation in which water is poured over a cloth covering someone's face, simulating drowning.
