Tormentor: meaning, definitions and examples

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tormentor

[tɔrˈmɛntər ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "tormentor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atormentador

🇮🇳 यातना देने वाला

🇩🇪 Peiniger

🇮🇩 penyiksa

🇺🇦 мучитель

🇵🇱 dręczyciel

🇯🇵 苦しめる者

🇫🇷 tourmenteur

🇪🇸 atormentador

🇹🇷 eziyet eden

🇰🇷 고문하는 사람

🇸🇦 معذب

🇨🇿 mučitel

🇸🇰 mučiteľ

🇨🇳 折磨者

🇸🇮 mučitelj

🇮🇸 píslari

🇰🇿 азаптаушы

🇬🇪 წამების მაწარმოებელი

🇦🇿 əzabverici

🇲🇽 atormentador

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.

...
29693 understaffed
29694 dabbled
29695 denigration
29696 tormentor
29697 bated
29698 retriever
29699 decryption
...