torment

/ˈtɔːment/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtɔːrment/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtȯr-ˌment/ (ame, mw) · /tɔːˈment/ (bre, ipa) · /tɔːrˈment/ (ame, ipa)

torment — noun

  • tormentsingular
  • tormentsplural

1. extreme emotional distress or severe physical discomfort that is very hard to be

1.名詞B2
釋義

extreme emotional distress or severe physical discomfort that is very hard to bear.

例句

The family lived in silent torment as they waited for news of the missing hiker.

uncountable: used without article for abstract suffering

Joshua felt a sharp torment in his lower back after lifting boxes all afternoon.

countable: a specific instance of physical pain

同義詞
  • agony

    suggests a more intense, often physical, suffering that is overwhelming

  • anguish

    focuses on emotional or mental pain rather than physical

  • suffering

    broader and less intense; the general state of experiencing pain or hardship

反義詞
  • relief

    the easing or removal of pain or distress

  • comfort

    a state of physical ease and freedom from pain

文法句型

be in torment

endure torment

torment of + noun

用法筆記

Can be either uncountable (the general state: 'years of torment') or countable (a particular instance or source: 'the torments of war'). The uncountable use is more common for abstract emotional suffering.

常見錯誤

❌The mosquito was a torment all night.
✅The mosquito was a nuisance all night.
💡torment describes severe pain or anguish, not mild irritation.
❌I felt a torment when I stubbed my toe.
✅I felt a sharp pain when I stubbed my toe.
💡torment suggests prolonged or intense suffering, not a brief injury.

2. a prolonged state of deep unhappiness, worry, or emotional pain that affects a p

2.名詞B2
釋義

a prolonged state of deep unhappiness, worry, or emotional pain that affects a person's mind.

例句

Amani could not hide the torment she felt after the end of her long relationship.

Watching a friend struggle with illness can cause profound inner torment.

collocation: inner torment

同義詞
  • anguish

    nearly interchangeable but slightly more literary and intense

  • distress

    less intense; can cover anxiety, sorrow, or worry without the same depth of pain

反義詞

文法句型

be in torment

torment of + gerund/noun phrase

inner torment

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense is restricted to emotional/mental suffering — never physical pain. It often implies a prolonged, gnawing quality rather than a sudden burst of pain. Frequently used in the phrase 'in torment' to describe a person's emotional state.

常見錯誤

❌He was in torment after breaking his arm.
✅He was in great pain after breaking his arm.
💡physical injury uses 'pain'; 'torment' for emotional distress.
❌She felt torment about the exam result.
✅She felt anguish about the exam result.
💡'torment' is too strong for mild disappointment; use for deeper emotional suffering.

3. a person or thing that causes someone great pain, worry, or anger on an ongoing

3.名詞B2
釋義

a person or thing that causes someone great pain, worry, or anger on an ongoing basis.

例句

The constant noise from the building site was a torment to the elderly residents.

a torment + to someone (pattern for specifying the sufferer)

For the new teacher, the unruly class became a daily torment she dreaded.

daily torment (collocation with time adjective)

同義詞
  • affliction

    more formal and often suggests a burden imposed by fate or circumstance

  • plague

    suggests something that repeatedly troubles or harasses

反義詞
  • blessing

    something that brings happiness or comfort

文法句型

be a torment to someone

something is a torment

用法筆記

This sense is always countable and refers to the source itself, not the feeling. To describe the feeling, use sense 1 or 2. 'A torment' can be used informally and even playfully for a mischievous person (similar to 'a little monster').

常見錯誤

❌The noise was torment to the residents.
✅The noise was a torment to the residents.
💡this sense requires an article (a/the) because it is countable.
❌My brother is a torment when he takes my things.
✅My brother is a nuisance when he takes my things.
💡'torment' is too strong for mild annoyance.

torment — verb