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Tormented: meaning, definitions and examples

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tormented

 

[ˈtɔːrmentɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Experiencing or characterized by severe physical or mental suffering.

Synonyms

agonized, anguished, haunted, tortured.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tormented

This word is suitable for describing someone who is suffering from severe mental or emotional pain, often over a prolonged period.

  • He was tormented by memories of the war
  • She felt tormented by her own guilt
anguished

Appropriate for describing intense emotional pain or suffering that is more focused on feelings of grief, despair, or sorrow.

  • Her anguished expression told him everything he needed to know
  • The mother’s anguished cries could be heard down the street
agonized

This word is used when someone is experiencing intense physical or emotional pain, usually in a short and acute moment.

  • She gave an agonized cry as the needle pierced her skin
  • He looked agonized, torn between telling the truth and protecting his friend
tortured

This word describes someone who is in extreme pain or suffering, often implying cruelty or an external source causing distress, and can be used for both physical and emotional contexts.

  • The tortured prisoner could barely speak
  • His tortured mind would not let him sleep
haunted

Best used to describe someone who is continually troubled or bothered by a disturbing experience or memory, often with a sense of being unable to escape it.

  • He felt haunted by the mistakes of his past
  • The haunted look in her eyes revealed a deep inner turmoil

Examples of usage

  • She was tormented by guilt after the accident.
  • The tormented look on his face revealed the depth of his pain.
Context #2 | Adjective

annoyed

Causing annoyance or frustration.

Synonyms

bothersome, irritating, troublesome, vexing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tormented

Use 'tormented' when describing someone who is suffering from severe mental or emotional pain or distress.

  • She was tormented by memories of the past.
  • The haunted house was said to be full of tormented spirits.
irritating

Use 'irritating' to describe something that causes annoyance or makes one feel annoyed.

  • Her habit of tapping her pen on the desk was extremely irritating.
  • The long wait at the doctor's office was very irritating.
vexing

Use 'vexing' to describe something that is frustratingly difficult or annoying, often used in a more formal or literary context.

  • The complex puzzle was quite vexing to solve.
  • Her attitude during the meeting was vexing for everyone involved.
bothersome

Use 'bothersome' when talking about something that is mildly annoying or inconvenient.

  • The bothersome noise from the construction outside made it hard to concentrate.
  • He found the constant interruptions bothersome while trying to work.
troublesome

Use 'troublesome' when referring to something that causes problems or difficulty.

  • Keeping up with the new regulations has been troublesome for many businesses.
  • The troublesome leak in the roof needs to be fixed immediately.

Examples of usage

  • The tormented sound of the dripping faucet kept her awake all night.
  • He gave her a tormented look when she interrupted him for the third time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin 'tormentare,' which means to twist or torture.
  • It transitioned into Middle English as 'tormenten,' reflecting the physical pain and suffering it describes.

Psychology

  • Experiencing feelings of being tormented can lead to anxiety and depression if not addressed.
  • The sensation of being tormented can be linked to unresolved trauma, where past events haunt an individual.

Literature

  • Classic literature often portrays characters as tormented, representing their inner struggles, such as in Shakespeare’s plays.
  • In modern novels, tormented protagonists, like those dealing with loss or betrayal, provide a way for readers to explore complex emotions.

Film and Television

  • Many horror films feature tormented characters, reflecting their psychological battles, enhancing suspense and emotional depth.
  • Popular TV shows often depict tormented heroes, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles while rooting for their redemption.

Art

  • The theme of torment frequently appears in art, symbolizing the conflict between light and shadow in human emotions.
  • Famous paintings often depict tormented figures, representing the tension between internal pain and external beauty.

Translations

Translations of the word "tormented" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atormentado

🇮🇳 पीड़ित (पीड़ित)

🇩🇪 gequält

🇮🇩 tersiksa

🇺🇦 мучений

🇵🇱 dręczony

🇯🇵 苦しめられた (くるしめられた)

🇫🇷 tourmenté

🇪🇸 atormentado

🇹🇷 işkence edilmiş

🇰🇷 고통받는 (고통받는)

🇸🇦 معذب

🇨🇿 mučený

🇸🇰 mučený

🇨🇳 受折磨的 (受折磨的)

🇸🇮 mučen

🇮🇸 píndur

🇰🇿 азап шеккен

🇬🇪 წამებული (წამებული)

🇦🇿 əziyyət çəkmiş

🇲🇽 atormentado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,020, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.