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torment

Q: How is the word 'torment' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict , rack , torture , and try . While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. // a horse tormented by flies

Q: Where would 'afflict' be a reasonable alternative to 'torment'?

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, 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

Q: When could 'rack' be used to replace 'torment'?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching. // a body racked by pain

Q: When is 'torture' a more appropriate choice than 'torment'?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. // tortured by a sense of guilt

Q: When might 'try' be a better fit than 'torment'?

While in some cases nearly identical to torment , try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. // children often try their parents' patience

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of torment

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 for torment

Words Related to torment

gall,
thorn

Near Antonyms for torment

Antonyms for torment

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 for torment

Words Related to torment

discomfort

emergency,
pinch

Near Antonyms for torment

peace,
security

well-being

3 a source of persistent emotional distress

insomnia that was caused by a host of nighttime torments

Synonyms for torment

Words Related to torment

torment

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of torment (Entry 2 of 2)

to cause persistent suffering to

he was tormented by nightmares about the accident

Synonyms for torment

Words Related to torment

assail,
attack

martyr

Near Antonyms for torment

Frequently Asked Questions About torment

How is the word torment different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict, rack, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would afflict be a reasonable alternative to torment?

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, 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

When could rack be used to replace torment?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When is torture a more appropriate choice than torment?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt