Torments

The word "torments" (verb form) describes the infliction of severe physical or mental suffering; to cause someone extreme pain or distress. It implies persistent and often cruel harassment, making someone endure hardship or misery. Tormenting can involve emotional manipulation, physical abuse, or a relentless barrage of unpleasant experiences. The effect is generally to break, exhaust or cause profound emotional damage to the individual or entity being tormented. This distress can manifest in various forms, from the pangs of conscience to the agonies of the body.

Torments meaning with examples

• The relentless criticism from her boss torments her, making her dread going to work. She felt constantly under pressure and that her every action would be over analysed to a point where it brought her to tears, as she began questioning her own abilities. Despite her best efforts, the feeling of inadequacy remained, leaving her with sleepless nights and a deep sense of unhappiness. These everyday problems now completely dominated her.
• The guilt over his past actions torments him daily. He carried the burden of his mistakes, unable to escape the haunting memories that played on a loop in his mind, constantly reminding him of the pain he caused. His sleep was disrupted by nightmares, and the weight of his remorse cast a shadow over every aspect of his life. He sought ways to find peace but the thoughts always resurfaced.
• The thought of losing her child torments the mother. The fear of harm to the little one dominated every waking moment. Every sound or sight triggered intense anxiety and dread, making it almost impossible for her to find any peace or pleasure in everyday life. The possibility of loss or even separation was a constant, agonizing companion that made it almost impossible for her to be happy.
• The isolation and silence of prison torments him, a constant reminder of his confinement. Deprived of human contact, he felt his spirit slowly crushed by the unending bleakness and his physical presence being affected by the ever-present darkness and silence. The lack of social interaction amplified his feeling of despair and the lack of stimulation from his surroundings increased the sense of mental torture.
• The unfulfilled ambition torments the once-aspiring artist. Having once dreamt of success and recognition, the artist struggled with the stark reality of being unable to earn a living. Every reminder of opportunities missed or dreams that faded away ignited feelings of regret and disappointment that created a sense of profound dissatisfaction, as he realised all his hopes would remain unfulfilled.