torment
TAW-mehnt
Torment (noun) means Severe physical or mental suffering. Example: “The years of chronic pain were a constant torment.”
noun
1
Severe physical or mental suffering.
"The years of chronic pain were a constant torment."
"She was in torment, not knowing whether her son was safe."
verb
1
To cause someone severe suffering or distress, often repeatedly.
"He was tormented by guilt over the accident."
"The older kids tormented him constantly at school."
How to use torment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIntense suffering, or to deliberately cause someone that kind of suffering.
Common mistake
Weaker than "torture" but stronger than "annoy" or "vex" — reserve it for genuinely serious distress.
Common pairings
mental torment
tormented by guilt
endless torment
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Word forms
- Plural
- torments
- Third person singular
- torments
- Past tense
- tormented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The years of chronic pain were a constant _____.
Etymology
From Old French torment, from Latin tormentum ("an instrument of torture" or "something twisted"), from torquere, "to twist".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “torment” mean?
The word “torment” means severe physical or mental suffering. In plain terms, intense suffering, or to deliberately cause someone that kind of suffering.
How do you pronounce “torment”?
“Torment” is pronounced TAW-mehnt (/ˈtɔː(ɹ)mɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “torment” in a sentence?
Here is “torment” used in a sentence: “The years of chronic pain were a constant torment.”
What part of speech is “torment”?
Depending on how it is used, “torment” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “torment” come from?
The word “torment” comes from Latin. From Old French torment, from Latin tormentum ("an instrument of torture" or "something twisted"), from torquere, "to twist".
Is “torment” a common word?
“Torment” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “torment” have?
“Torment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: severe physical or mental suffering.
