torment

torment

noun

Definition of TORMENT

1

a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness <the released soldiers gave interviews trying to explain to civilians the torment that prisoners of war experience>

Synonyms agony, Gehenna, horror, misery, murder, nightmare, torment, torture

Related Words affliction, calvary, cross, curse, ordeal, trial, tribulation; calamity, misfortune, tragedy; gall, thorn; bummer, downer, drag

Near Antonyms delight, diversion, entertainment, fun, joy, pleasure, recreation; lark, picnic, riot

Antonyms heaven, paradise

2

a state of great suffering of body or mind <was in torment for weeks after he broke up with his girlfriend>

Synonyms affliction, agony, anguish, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, travail, tribulation, woe

Related Words discomfort; cross, crucible, trial; heartache, heartbreak, joylessness, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; emergency, pinch; asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor; ache, pang, smarting, soreness, stitch, throe, twinge; danger, jeopardy, trouble

Near Antonyms comfort, consolation, solace; alleviation, assuagement, ease, relief; peace, security; well-being

3

a source of persistent emotional distress <insomnia that was caused by a host of nighttime torments>

Synonyms affliction, hang-up, terror, torment

Related Words bête noire, bogey (also bogie or bogy), bugaboo, bugbear, hobgoblin, ogre