torment 1 of 2

torment

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

Examples of torment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Żuławski’s masterpiece is, in some respects, the ultimate horror film, mutating from subgenre to subgenre — from psychological torment to splatter body horror to pulpy sci-fi — while fully embodying all of the strengths and possibilities horror is capable of. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 Barbara is grappling with two tragedies: the loss of her son and the torment of not knowing who is responsible for pulling the trigger. Mike Schell, The Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2024
Verb
In the film, Dawn, played with excruciating discomfort by Heather Matarazzo, is tormented mercilessly at school, but the real harm is inflicted at home, where her parents lambast her while cooing over her younger, prettier sister. Elena Saavedra Buckley, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024 In another case, an auto theft detective says she was tormented by a male colleague after their relationship fell apart. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near torment

Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on torment

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