self-torturing

1 of 2

adjective

self-tor·​tur·​ing ˌself-ˈtȯr-chə-riŋ 

-ˈtȯrch-riŋ

: self-tormenting

… we're not just holding onto social links with our exes because we're a bunch of self-torturing maniacs.

—Gabrielle Moss

self-torturing thoughts

All those self-torturing questions. Why had he let her take the bus that night? Why hadn't he driven her?

—Neil Darbyshire

self-torturing

2 of 2

noun

plural self-torturings

: self-torture

his endless self-torturing over past mistakes

… the personal loss and emotional deprivation she had suffered in her self-torturings …

—Mark Bostridge

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1629, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1803, in the meaning defined above