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Torment: meaning, definitions and examples

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torment

 

[ˈtɔːrmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental suffering

Severe physical or mental suffering

Synonyms

agony, anguish, distress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
torment

Used when someone is experiencing prolonged and severe physical or mental suffering.

  • The constant bullying was a source of great torment for Jane.
  • He could not sleep, tormented by the memories of the accident.
anguish

Describes severe mental or emotional pain, often related to deep sorrow or distress.

  • The mother was in anguish after losing her child.
  • He expressed his anguish through his music.
agony

Often refers to extreme physical or emotional pain, usually intense but can be short-lived.

  • She screamed in agony when she broke her leg.
  • The loss threw him into an agony of grief.
distress

Used for a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain, but can be less severe than agony or anguish.

  • She was in distress after hearing the bad news.
  • Financial problems caused him a lot of distress.

Examples of usage

  • He endured years of torment at the hands of his captors.
  • The memories of the war continued to haunt him, causing torment.
Context #2 | Verb

cause to experience severe suffering

To cause someone to experience severe physical or mental suffering

Synonyms

haunt, plague, torture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
torment

Use when someone is causing intense physical or mental suffering over an extended period.

  • Her constant criticism tormented him for years.
  • He felt tormented by his past mistakes.
torture

Use when explaining extreme physical or mental pain inflicted deliberately, often in a context of cruelty.

  • The captured spy was subjected to brutal torture.
  • The exam was mental torture for him.
plague

Use when talking about something causing continual trouble or distress; this can often be a negative mental or physical condition.

  • The region was plagued by drought for several years.
  • She is plagued by doubts about her career.
haunt

Use when referring to something that continuously occupies someone's thoughts in a troubling way.

  • The memory of the accident haunts her dreams.
  • His unfulfilled dreams haunt him every night.

Examples of usage

  • The constant noise from the construction site tormented her every day.
  • He was tormented by guilt over his actions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This word comes from the Latin 'tormentum,' which means 'a means of twisting or tormenting.'
  • In Old French, 'torment' referred to a type of suffering or torture, showing its historical roots in pain.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to include both physical and mental suffering, reflecting broader human experiences.

Psychology

  • Emotional torment can stem from unresolved trauma, often leading to anxiety and depression.
  • Psychologists note that prolonged emotional pain can create patterns of behavior that affect relationships and self-esteem.
  • Understanding torment can be the first step toward healing, as acknowledging feelings often leads to recovery.

Literature

  • In literature, torment is often used as a theme to explore deep human emotions, such as suffering and redemption.
  • Famous works, like Dante's 'Inferno,' illustrate torment both in a physical sense and as a moral consequence.
  • Authors often depict characters facing torment as a way to showcase resilience and the human spirit's ability to endure.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray characters in torment as a way to create tension and develop plots, making them relatable.
  • Popular songs frequently explore themes of heartbreak and emotional torment, connecting listeners to shared experiences.
  • Television dramas often feature characters overcoming torment, providing a cathartic experience for the audience.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophical discussions revolve around the nature of suffering and how it shapes human existence.
  • Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche explored the idea that suffering can lead to personal growth, suggesting a complex relationship with torment.
  • Existential thinkers argue that facing inner torment can lead individuals to seek meaning and authenticity in life.

Translations

Translations of the word "torment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tormento

🇮🇳 यातना

🇩🇪 Qual

🇮🇩 siksaan

🇺🇦 мука

🇵🇱 męka

🇯🇵 苦痛 (くつう)

🇫🇷 tourment

🇪🇸 tormento

🇹🇷 ızdırap

🇰🇷 고통 (gotong)

🇸🇦 عذاب

🇨🇿 utrpení

🇸🇰 utrpenie

🇨🇳 折磨 (zhémó)

🇸🇮 mučenje

🇮🇸 píning

🇰🇿 азап

🇬🇪 ტანჯვა

🇦🇿 əzab

🇲🇽 tormento

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,422, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.