Torment describes intense, often prolonged suffering or the act of causing it, encompassing both physical and mental anguish.
30초 단어
- Severe physical or mental suffering.
- To cause extreme pain or distress.
- Often prolonged and intense experience.
Overview
The word “torment” describes a state of intense suffering, either physical or mental, or the act of causing such suffering. As a noun, it refers to the pain or distress itself (e.g., “He endured great torment”). As a verb, it means to inflict severe pain or distress upon someone or something (e.g., “The bullies tormented him”). It implies a prolonged or repeated experience of discomfort, often with a sense of cruelty or persistence.
As a noun, “torment” is often used with verbs like “suffer,” “endure,” “experience,” or “cause.” For example, “The constant noise was a source of torment.” As a verb, it directly takes an object: “to torment someone,” “to torment an animal,” “to be tormented by thoughts.” It can also be used in a passive voice: “He was tormented by guilt.” The past participle “tormented” can also function as an adjective, describing someone experiencing torment (e.g., “a tormented soul”).
“Torment” is frequently used in contexts involving psychological distress, such as guilt, anxiety, or obsession (“tormented by doubts”). It can also describe physical pain, though often implying a more severe or prolonged form than simple “pain” (“the torment of a chronic illness”). Additionally, it's used to describe harassment or persecution, especially when it involves deliberate cruelty or teasing, making someone's life difficult (“The children would torment the cat”).
• Pain: A general term for physical or mental discomfort. “Torment” is usually more intense and often prolonged than simple “pain.” • Agony: Extreme physical or mental suffering, often sudden and intense. “Torment” can be sustained agony. • Distress: A state of anxiety, sorrow, or pain. “Torment” is a more severe form of distress. • Torture: Deliberate infliction of extreme pain or suffering, often as punishment or to extract information. “Torment” can be a result of torture, or a less extreme but still severe form of suffering. • Harass: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation. “Torment” can be the result of relentless harassment, often implying a deeper emotional or psychological impact.
예시
The guilt over his actions became a constant torment, keeping him awake at night.
everydayThe guilt over his actions became a constant torment, keeping him awake at night.
The prisoner endured years of physical and psychological torment at the hands of his captors.
formalThe prisoner endured years of physical and psychological torment at the hands of his captors.
My little brother loves to torment me by hiding my phone when I'm looking for it.
informalMy little brother loves to torment me by hiding my phone when I'm looking for it.
Scholars continue to debate the philosophical implications of human suffering and its potential for spiritual torment.
academicScholars continue to debate the philosophical implications of human suffering and its potential for spiritual torment.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
mental torment
mental torment
a source of torment
a source of torment
to be tormented by guilt
to be tormented by guilt
자주 혼동되는 단어
"Annoy" means to irritate or bother someone slightly. "Torment" means to cause severe, prolonged physical or mental suffering. The intensity and duration are vastly different.
"Trouble" is a general term for difficulty or problems. "Torment" is a much stronger word, referring to extreme pain or distress, not just a minor inconvenience or problem.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
Torment is a relatively strong word, indicating severe suffering. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its impact depends on the severity of the situation it describes. When used informally, it often refers to persistent teasing or minor but irritating actions, though still implying a level of distress.
자주 하는 실수
A common mistake is using "torment" for minor inconveniences or slight discomfort, which dilutes its strong meaning. Another error is confusing its noun and verb forms, though they are often used interchangeably in terms of meaning. Ensure the context warrants such an intense word.
Tips
Master the Nuance of Torment
"Torment" implies severe, often prolonged suffering, beyond simple pain or annoyance. Use it to convey strong emotional or physical distress.
Avoid Overusing This Strong Word
Because it's a strong word, using "torment" for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly intense situations.
Cultural and Literary Weight
In literature or religious texts, "torment" can have connotations of eternal suffering or divine punishment, adding a layer of gravity.
어원
The word "torment" comes from Old French "torment" (noun) and "tormenter" (verb), meaning "to torture, inflict pain." These, in turn, derived from Latin "tormentum," which referred to a "torture engine" or "pain, anguish."
문화적 맥락
In many cultures, the concept of "torment" is deeply embedded in religious narratives, often referring to spiritual suffering or punishment in an afterlife. It also features prominently in literature and art to depict human resilience or the depths of despair.
암기 팁
Imagine a "storm" of "ment"al or physical pain. "Torment" is like a terrible storm raging inside or around someone.
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문No, "torment" refers to both severe physical pain and intense mental or emotional suffering. For example, feelings of guilt or anxiety can be described as torment.
While understood, "torment" is a relatively strong word. It's used when describing significant distress, so you might hear it, but perhaps less frequently than simpler words like "pain" or "trouble."
"Annoy" means to irritate or bother slightly, causing minor displeasure. "Torment," however, implies causing severe, often prolonged, physical or mental suffering, which is much more intense than annoyance.
Yes, figuratively. For example, a difficult problem or a nagging doubt can be said to "torment" someone, meaning it causes them significant mental distress.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The constant noise from the construction site was a source of great ___ for the residents.
"Torment" fits best here as the noise caused severe distress, not positive feelings.
Which sentence uses the word "torment" correctly?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses "torment"?
"Torment" refers to severe suffering, which fits with a difficult past. The other options describe minor annoyances or positive actions.
Create a sentence using the word "torment" as a verb, meaning to cause severe suffering.
Use "torment" as a verb in a sentence.
This sentence correctly uses "torment" as a verb, showing the bullies causing severe distress to the children.
🎉 점수: /3
Summary
Torment describes intense, often prolonged suffering or the act of causing it, encompassing both physical and mental anguish.
- Severe physical or mental suffering.
- To cause extreme pain or distress.
- Often prolonged and intense experience.
Master the Nuance of Torment
"Torment" implies severe, often prolonged suffering, beyond simple pain or annoyance. Use it to convey strong emotional or physical distress.
Avoid Overusing This Strong Word
Because it's a strong word, using "torment" for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly intense situations.
Cultural and Literary Weight
In literature or religious texts, "torment" can have connotations of eternal suffering or divine punishment, adding a layer of gravity.
예시
4 / 4The guilt over his actions became a constant torment, keeping him awake at night.
The guilt over his actions became a constant torment, keeping him awake at night.
The prisoner endured years of physical and psychological torment at the hands of his captors.
The prisoner endured years of physical and psychological torment at the hands of his captors.
My little brother loves to torment me by hiding my phone when I'm looking for it.
My little brother loves to torment me by hiding my phone when I'm looking for it.
Scholars continue to debate the philosophical implications of human suffering and its potential for spiritual torment.
Scholars continue to debate the philosophical implications of human suffering and its potential for spiritual torment.
