Tormenting: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is typically used when someone or something is causing prolonged and severe physical or mental suffering. It is stronger than simple annoyance and implies ongoing distress.

• The memories of the accident have been tormenting her for years

This word is used for extreme physical or mental suffering inflicted deliberately. It is very strong and often has a negative connotation. It may refer to both situations where someone is causing pain on purpose and where someone is feeling extreme suffering.

• Listening to that song on repeat is pure torture

This word is often used when referring to something that persistently troubles or follows someone, often in a psychological sense. It is commonly associated with thoughts, memories, or spirits that are hard to get rid of.

• The decision to leave her family still haunts her

This word is used when something causes continual trouble or suffering, often on a larger scale. It implies an ongoing issue that is difficult to resolve.

• The small town has been plagued by unemployment for decades

Used when describing ongoing, intense mental or emotional distress, often caused by a specific person or situation.

• The constant bullying at school was tormenting her every day.
• He found the wait for the results to be tormenting.

Refers to extreme pain inflicted on someone, generally by another person, for various purposes like punishment, interrogation, or cruelty; has strong negative connotations.

• The captured spy underwent hours of brutal torture.
• Even the thought of public speaking was torture for her.

Refers to extreme physical or emotional pain that is often short-term but very intense and unbearable.

• The soldier lay in agony after being wounded in battle.
• She felt agonizing pain when she heard the bad news.

A general term used for enduring prolonged pain, hardship, or distress, whether physical or emotional.

• Many people are suffering due to the lack of clean water.
• His years of suffering made him a stronger person.