tormenter
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //tɔːrˈmɛntər//
KK: /tɔrˈmɛntər/
noun
Definition
A person or thing that causes great suffering or distress to someone else.
Example
The bully was a constant tormenter to the younger students at school.
Conversation
I can't believe how much that movie made me think about my past experiences.
Yeah, sometimes our memories can be a real tormenter in our minds.
Exactly! It's like they haunt us when we least expect it.
True, but facing them can also help us grow and move on.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
persecutor
oppressor
harasser
Antonyms
protector
defender
savior
verb
Definition
To cause someone to suffer or feel great pain, often in a cruel way.
Example
The bully seemed to enjoy tormenting his classmates.
Tense Forms
Past: tormented
Past Participle: tormented
Conversation
I can't believe how much that movie tormented the main character.
I know, right? It was really intense to watch.
It felt like the tormenter was always one step ahead of him.
Root Explanation
Tormenter → It is formed from "tormentum" (meaning a tool for twisting or torture) and "-er" (meaning a person who). The word "tormenter" refers to a person who inflicts pain or suffering, often in a cruel manner.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who uses a 'tool for twisting' ('tormentum') to cause pain — that's why a tormenter is someone who inflicts suffering.
Visually Confused Words
torsometer
torsimeter
ornamenter
trimeter
orometer
fomenter
untormented
torsiometer