Torment
/ˈtɔːr.mɛnt/noun
Severe physical or mental suffering.
Did you know?The Latin root 'tormentum' originally referred to a 'twisting instrument,' often used in torture, highlighting its dark origins in human suffering.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
tormentum
“A device for twisting, often used for torture.”
Old French
Old French
torment
“Suffering or distress, derived from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
tormenten
“To inflict pain or suffering.”
Modern English
English
torment
“To cause severe suffering or anguish.”