torment

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noun tor·ment \ˈtȯr-ˌment\

Definition of torment

1 : extreme pain or anguish of body or mind : agony
2 : a source of vexation or pain
3 : the infliction of torture (as by rack or wheel)

See torment defined for English-language learners

See torment defined for kids

Examples of torment in a Sentence

No one could understand his inner torment.
After years of torment, she left her husband.
The mosquitoes were a constant torment.

Origin and Etymology of torment

Middle English, from Anglo-French turment, torment, from Latin tormentum torture; akin to torquēre to twist — more at ¹torture

First Known Use: 14th century

torment

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verb tor·ment \tȯr-ˈment, ˈtȯr-ˌ\

Definition of torment

transitive verb
1 : to cause severe usually persistent or recurrent distress of body or mind to cattle tormented by flies
2 : distort, twist

See torment defined for English-language learners

Examples of torment in a Sentence

Not knowing where she was tormented him.
he was tormented by nightmares about the accident

14th Century

First Known Use of torment

14th century

Synonym Discussion of torment

afflict, try, torment, torture, rack mean to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear. afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress. ills that afflict the elderly try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. children often try their parents' patience torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. a horse tormented by flies torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. tortured by a sense of guilt rack stresses straining or wrenching. a body racked by pain

TORMENT Defined for English Language Learners

torment

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noun

Definition of torment for English Language Learners

: extreme physical or mental pain
: something that causes extreme physical or mental pain

torment

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verb

Definition of torment for English Language Learners

: to cause (someone or something) to feel extreme physical or mental pain

TORMENT Defined for Kids

torment

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verb tor·ment \tȯr-ˈment\

Definition of torment for Students

tormented

;

tormenting

1 : to cause severe suffering of body or mind to Flies tormented the cattle.
2 : vex 1, harass All last year we tormented Webb. Mostly little stuff, like messing with his locker … — Jerry Spinelli, Crash