torment
Translation
to torment, to torture, to plague
Examples
He was tormented by nightmares.
He was tormented by nightmares.
The bullies tormented the new student.
The bullies tormented the new student.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to cause severe suffering to (sb.) The bullies tormented the new student.
((sb.)) ((with sth.)) to cause (sb.) to suffer with (sth.) He was tormented with guilt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: afflict, plague, harass; Antonyms: comfort, soothe
Etymology
From Latin 'tormentum' (instrument of torture), from 'torquere' (to twist).
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'tornado' of 'mental' anguish. The word itself sounds like a prolonged, twisting pain.