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Torment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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torment

[หˆtษ”หrmษ™nt ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'torment'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'torment' originated from the Latin word 'tormentum', which means 'instrument of torture'. The term evolved over time to represent both physical and mental suffering. In the Middle Ages, torment was often associated with punishment and torture, and it has retained its intense connotation of suffering and anguish through the centuries.

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.