French word

tourment

Pronunciation

IPA/tuʁmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nountorment

Example

Il vit dans le tourment depuis la séparation.

He has been living in torment since the breakup.

Illustration for tourment (torment)

More examples

Ses tourments l'empêchent de dormir.

His torments keep him from sleeping.

Core concept

A mind weighed down by grief, remorse, or anguish, with no clear release.

Common phrases

  • tourment de conscience

    pang of conscience

Similar words

peine: A state of intense sadness or emotional distress.
souci: Everyday worry or concern about possible problems.
chagrin: Deep sorrow caused especially by love or separation.
souffrance: Severe physical or emotional pain.

Definition in French

État de douleur morale profonde provoquant angoisse, remords ou détresse intérieure.

Word origin

French tourment comes from Latin tormentum, related to torquere, 'to twist', and developed from physical suffering to inner anguish.

Usage tips

  • Tourment is masculine: un tourment, not une tourment.

Other meanings

  • anguishnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word