n. & v.
n. 1 severe physical or mental suffering (was in torment). 2 a cause of this. 3 archaic a torture. b an instrument of torture.
v.tr. 1 subject to torment (tormented with worry). 2 tease or worry excessively (enjoyed tormenting the teacher). tormentedly adv. tormentingly adv. tormentor n.
[ ME f. OF torment, tormenter f. L tormentum missile-engine f. torquere to twist ]