'excruciating' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excruciare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'cruciare' meant 'to crucify or torture.'

'excruciare' transformed into the Late Latin word 'excruciatus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excruciating' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to torture or torment,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing intense pain.'