torment

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/ˈtɔːr.mənt/
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Intense suffering or the act of inflicting such distress.

Examples

  • The treaty explicitly prohibits torment.
  • She felt the disease torment her body.
  • Nighttime brought torment to the restless child.
  • Historical records detail the torment used in interrogations.
  • The oppressive heat torments the city during summer.

Similar words

suffering
afflict
plague
plague
menace
torture
annoy
misery
agony
irritate

Meanings

Extreme suffering

noun
everyday
neutral
Intense physical or mental pain and anguish.

Examples

  • The torment of the wounded animal was evident.
  • She could not escape the torment of her memories.
  • His torment after the accident lasted weeks.
  • The torment in his voice showed deep grief.
  • Nighttime brought torment to the restless child.
  • The torment of the storm left the town in ruins.
  • She described the torment of losing a loved one.

Similar words

Source of suffering

noun
everyday
neutral
Something that causes great pain, distress, or annoyance.

Examples

  • The constant buzzing was a torment to the residents.
  • His relentless criticism became a torment for her.
  • The traffic jam was a daily torment for commuters.
  • That itchy sweater is a torment I cannot ignore.
  • The deadline turned into a torment for the team.
  • His habit of humming is a torment in quiet rooms.
  • The broken heater was a torment during winter.

Similar words

Act of torture

noun
legal
neutral
The act of inflicting severe pain or torment on someone, often by torture.

Examples

  • The medieval court authorized torment of dissenters.
  • International law bans torment of prisoners.
  • The witness described the torment he endured.
  • Historical records detail the torment used in interrogations.
  • The judge rejected any form of torment in sentencing.
  • Human rights groups condemn torment as a crime.
  • The treaty explicitly prohibits torment.

Similar words

Cause severe distress

verb
everyday
neutral
To inflict intense physical or mental pain on someone.

Examples

  • The relentless wind torments the hikers on the ridge.
  • His memories torment him every night.
  • The cruel teacher torments the students with endless quizzes.
  • She felt the disease torment her body.
  • The loud alarm torments the residents at dawn.
  • His guilt torments him despite his apologies.
  • The oppressive heat torments the city during summer.

Similar words

Bother repeatedly

verb
everyday
informal
To annoy or pester someone persistently.

Examples

  • My little brother torments me by stealing my snacks.
  • The neighbor's dog torments me every evening.
  • She torments her friends with endless riddles.
  • He torments his sister by hiding her toys.
  • The buzzing fly torments me while I study.
  • They torment each other with playful jokes.
  • The constant notifications torment me at night.

Similar words

Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French torment, from Latin tormentum “a twisted rope or instrument of torture”, originally meaning a rope used to inflict pain.

FAQ

What does torment mean as a noun?

Torment as a noun refers to extreme suffering or a source that causes great pain or annoyance.

How is torment used as a verb?

As a verb, torment means to cause intense physical or mental pain, or to annoy someone persistently.

Is torment ever used informally?

Yes, in informal speech torment can mean to annoy or pester someone repeatedly.

What are common synonyms for torment?

Synonyms include agony, anguish, pain, afflict, harass, annoy, and pester.

What are common antonyms for torment?

Antonyms are comfort, relief, mercy, and calm.

How do you correctly conjugate torment in the past tense?

The past tense of torment is tormented.

Can torment refer to a legal act of torture?

Yes, torment can describe the legal act of inflicting severe pain, similar to torture.

What is the origin of the word torment?

Torment comes from Old French torment and Latin tormentum, meaning a twisted rope used for torture.

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