Tormented: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.