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Tormentor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tormentor

[tษ”rหˆmษ›ntษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

A person who causes mental or physical suffering to another individual, often for their own pleasure or satisfaction.

Synonyms

bully, oppressor, persecutor.

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Word Description / Examples
tormentor

This word is often used when someone is causing severe suffering or distress, both physically and mentally.

  • Despite years passing, her childhood tormentor's words still haunted her
bully

This term is commonly used in a school or social setting where one person intimidates or harasses another, often repeatedly and with the intent to dominate.

  • The school has a zero-tolerance policy toward bullies
  • He stood up to the bully and made new friends
persecutor

This term is often used in a religious or ideological context, where someone is being treated unfairly or cruelly because of their beliefs.

  • The persecutor was determined to silence any voices of dissent
oppressor

This word is used to describe someone who exercises authority or power in a harsh, cruel manner, often in a political or social context.

  • The revolution aimed to overthrow the oppressor and bring freedom to the people

Examples of usage

  • He was known as the school bully and tormentor, constantly picking on weaker students.
  • The tormentor enjoyed seeing others in pain and distress.
Context #2 | Noun

in literature

A character in a story or play who causes trouble or suffering to the protagonist.

Synonyms

antagonist, villain.

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Word Description / Examples
tormentor

This word is used when describing someone who deliberately causes physical or mental pain to another person. It often has a very negative connotation.

  • The bully was a relentless tormentor in the lives of many students
  • The prisoner was subjected to cruel treatment by his tormentors
antagonist

This word fits well when talking about a character in a story who opposes the protagonist or main character. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • In the novel, the protagonist and antagonist had many intense encounters
  • In their professional rivalry, he was always seen as the antagonist
villain

This word is commonly used in stories, movies, and plays to describe the main evil character or someone who commits sins. It carries a clear negative meaning.

  • The villain in the movie had a sinister plan to take over the world
  • Every good fairy tale has a clear hero and a villain

Examples of usage

  • The tormentor in the novel was a mysterious figure who haunted the main character throughout the plot.
  • The villain acted as the tormentor, creating obstacles for the hero to overcome.
Context #3 | Noun

general

Someone who annoys or harasses others persistently.

Synonyms

annoyer, harasser, troublemaker.

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Word Description / Examples
tormentor

Use it when referring to someone who causes prolonged physical or mental suffering.

  • The bully was his longtime tormentor in school.
  • She finally found the courage to stand up to her tormentor.
harasser

Use it in situations where someone repeatedly bothers, intimidates, or makes offensive remarks to another person. This term has negative connotations.

  • The office took swift action against the harasser after multiple complaints.
  • She felt unsafe around the persistent harasser.
annoyer

Use it to describe someone who irritates or bothers others, usually in minor and repeated ways.

  • My little brother is such an annoyer when he keeps asking the same question over and over.
  • The constant buzzing of the fly was a true annoyer.

Examples of usage

  • The neighbors complained about the tormentor who played loud music late at night.
  • The online troll was a constant tormentor, leaving negative comments on people's posts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Tormentors often appear as villains in stories, representing the struggles of the hero or protagonist.
  • In classic literature, characters like Iago from Othello are seen as tormentors, exploiting others' weaknesses to cause suffering.
  • The concept of torment is explored heavily in Gothic literature, where characters are subjected to emotional and psychological distress.

Psychology

  • Often linked to bullying behavior, a tormentor can instill fear and anxiety in their victims, leading to long-lasting effects.
  • Psychologists study the dynamics between tormentors and their victims to understand power gaps in relationships.
  • The impact of a tormentor can lead to complex trauma, affecting one's self-esteem and worldview.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies include tormentors as central antagonists, creating tension and conflict that drive the plot.
  • Television shows often explore the lives of tormentors, sometimes humanizing them through backstories that reveal their motives.
  • Video games sometimes feature tormentor characters as bosses, challenging players to overcome their influence.

History

  • Throughout history, tormentors have often been seen in positions of power, such as tyrants and oppressive leaders.
  • The concept of torment as punishment has been evident throughout the ages, with torture used in ancient civilizations as a method of control.
  • In modern contexts, studies evaluate how sociopolitical tormentors have historically affected societies and their development.

Origin of 'tormentor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tormentare', which means to 'twist' or 'torture'.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, often to describe physical or emotional distress.
  • The suffix '-or' typically denotes someone who performs an action, highlighting the active role in causing distress.

The word 'tormentor' originated from the Latin word 'tormentum', which means 'torture' or 'pain'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe someone who causes suffering or distress to others. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of harassment, bullying, and persecution.

See also: tormented, tormenting.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,696, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.