torments
Inflicts prolonged suffering
Torments are sources of severe suffering or anguish, whether physical or mental: the torments of chronic pain, the torments of jealousy.
The word suggests ongoing affliction rather than a single moment of pain.
To torment is to inflict such suffering, or to tease and annoy persistently: Stop tormenting your sister.
Extreme physical or emotional pain
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- miseryIntense prolonged distress
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- painBodily or emotional distress
heartache · grief · sorrow · woe · despair · affliction · trauma · anguish
Frame for holding items
- thumbscrewCompression torture device
- waterboardingControlled asphyxiation interrogation technique
- inquisitionSustained, probing investigation
- dungeonSubterranean prison chamber
whip · scourge · stocks · pillory · flogging · flaying · branding · stretching
Persistent mental attachment
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
- gnawingPersistent biting action
plaguing · consuming · intrusive thoughts · rumination · dwelling · brooding · obsessing · mental anguish
Punishment for wrongdoing
- chastisementFormal scolding or correction
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
- castigationSevere verbal criticism
scourge · flagellation · penance · correction · reproof · divine punishment · damnation · hellfire
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- victimizationBeing made to suffer
abuse · taunting · mockery · ridicule · humiliation · hounding · badgering · intimidation
agony
Extreme physical or emotional pain
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- miseryIntense prolonged distress
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
pain · heartache · grief · sorrow · woe · despair · affliction · trauma · anguish · wretchedness
rack
Frame for holding items
- thumbscrewCompression torture device
- waterboardingControlled asphyxiation interrogation technique
- inquisitionSustained, probing investigation
dungeon · whip · scourge · stocks · pillory · flogging · flaying · branding · stretching · interrogation
fixation
Persistent mental attachment
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
gnawing · plaguing · consuming · intrusive thoughts · rumination · dwelling · brooding · obsessing · mental anguish · racing thoughts
retribution
Punishment for wrongdoing
- chastisementFormal scolding or correction
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
castigation · scourge · flagellation · penance · correction · reproof · divine punishment · damnation · hellfire · purgatory
harassment
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
victimization · abuse · taunting · mockery · ridicule · humiliation · hounding · badgering · intimidation · terrorizing
- annoyancesannoyance, annoyances, irritations, irritation, nuisance
- eternal tormentEndless punishment beyond death
- tormented soulOne suffering deep anguish
- psychological tormentInflicted emotional suffering
torment, tormenting, tormentor, tormented, tormentors, tormentingly, tormenter, tormenters