German word

quälen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkvɛːlən/

Meaning

  • verbtorment

Example

Die Erinnerung quält ihn jeden Tag.

The memory torments him every day.

Illustration for quälen (torment)

More examples

Der ständige Husten quält ihn nachts.

The persistent cough torments him during the night.

Core concept

A person is repeatedly pressed by pain, worry, or an oppressive burden until it wears them down.

Common phrases

  • Ein Problem quält jemanden

    A problem causes someone torment

  • Schlafmangel quält jemanden

    Sleep deprivation causes someone torment

Similar words

plagen: Trouble someone persistently for a long time.
belasten: Place pressure or a heavy burden on someone or something.
nerven: Annoy someone with minor but irritating behavior.
ärgern: Upset someone and provoke anger.

Definition in German

jemanden durch Schmerzen oder Sorgen quälen; jemanden stark bedrücken.

Word origin

Quälen comes through Middle High German from an older Germanic verb related to Qual, meaning suffering or torment.

Usage tips

  • Quälen takes an accusative person, as in jemanden quälen, and can describe both physical torment and persistent mental distress.

Other meanings

  • botherverb
  • tortureverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Quälertormentornoun
  • quälendirritatingadjective

Word lists with this word