tormented

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tormented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is emotionally troubled or who has suffered from deep physical or emotional pain. Example sentence: The victim had been tormented by memories of the attack for months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 20-year-old had tormented Watford's defenders with the speed, directness and penetrative qualities that reaffirmed why United have already spent £15m to recruit him for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't think she would have had so much courage, but she was really tormented about this," says her sister Sandra Barbosa, still in shock.

The Guardian

Finbarr Whooley, director of content at the Museum of London, said not only were there still families of missing men tormented by the thought that their paths might have crossed Nilsen's – he is believed to have killed at least a dozen men, but the true total was never established – but there was nothing new about either the crime or its detection.

The Guardian

Barnett plays with extremes: her shape-shifting vocals, sometimes multi-tracked to heavenly effect, enable her to seem as strong as a statue or as fragile as glass within the space of a single song as she explores lust, obsession, loneliness and tormented self-examination with unnerving precision.

The Guardian - Music

Mrs Cooke, who was found dead last week in the Avon Gorge in Bristol, reportedly felt tormented by the number of fundraising requests from a wide range of charities, and those closest to her believe it may have contributed to her distress.

The Guardian

Book ahead or be prepared to queue while being tormented by the smell of roasting meats on the flaming grills.

The Guardian - Travel

In the Dáil on Wednesday, one of the parliament's most talented and eloquent deputies, former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, tormented the Greens for shoring up Fianna Fáil even though the former party was conveniently absent from the chamber at the time.

The Guardian

Inside that bubble, where perfection was the norm, falling short of my own expectations tormented me.

The Guardian

For a long time Williams tormented her from Melbourne to Paris to Wimbledon to New York in an unbeaten stretch in majors after the Russian's long-ago breakthrough against her at Wimbledon.

The Guardian - Sport

All through the convention, I am tormented; driven to senseless scratching.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This may be because African Muslims are mindful of the Prophet Muhammad's warning: "Whoever kills himself in any way will be tormented in that way in Hell".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tormented" to convey a sense of deep suffering, whether physical or emotional. It's stronger than "troubled" or "worried" and implies a prolonged or intense state of distress.

Common error

Avoid using "tormented" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary discomfort. It's a strong word best reserved for situations involving significant suffering.

Linguistic Context

The word "tormented" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of extreme suffering or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of deep emotional or physical pain. The examples demonstrate its descriptive power in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tormented" functions as an adjective to describe a state of intense suffering, as Ludwig AI confirmed. With 56 real-world examples, it is "very common" in written English, particularly within the News & Media. While grammatically correct, "tormented" should be used judiciously to avoid overuse in situations that don't warrant such a strong descriptor. Consider alternatives such as "anguished" or "haunted" for similar, yet nuanced, meanings. Remember that "tormented" emphasizes severe distress, contributing emotional depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agonized

Highlights extreme mental or physical suffering.

anguished

Implies severe mental or physical suffering, emphasizing emotional distress.

racked with pain

Focuses specifically on intense physical or emotional pain.

haunted

Suggests persistent, unsettling memories or fears that cause distress.

distressed

Similar to troubled, but emphasizes emotional pain or suffering.

afflicted

Shares a similar meaning, focusing on suffering from a condition or problem. Less intense.

plagued

Indicates persistent trouble or suffering, often from external sources.

oppressed

Implies being subjected to unjust treatment or control, causing suffering.

troubled

A more general term for being worried or distressed, less intense than "tormented".

persecuted

Suggests systematic mistreatment and oppression, often due to beliefs or identity.

FAQs

How can I use "tormented" in a sentence?

You can use "tormented" to describe someone experiencing intense suffering. For example, "The character was "tormented" by guilt" or "He was "tormented" by nightmares".

What words are similar to "tormented"?

Similar words include "anguished", "haunted", "plagued", or "distressed", each implying a different nuance of suffering.

When is it appropriate to use "tormented"?

It's appropriate when describing a state of severe emotional or physical suffering. Avoid using it for minor issues or temporary discomfort, as it conveys a high level of distress.

What is the difference between "tormented" and "troubled"?

"Tormented" suggests a deeper, more intense level of suffering than "troubled". "Troubled" implies worry or mild distress, while "tormented" implies severe mental or emotional anguish.