Tormentings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Experiencing or inflicting severe physical or mental suffering, particularly in a continuous manner
2. causing persistent distress or anguish to oneself or others
3. engaging in prolonged harassment or persecution that results in deep discomfort or pain

Etymology: "Tormentings" is simply the plural of "tormenting," so it takes its history from that word. "Tormenting" is the present participle and gerund of "torment," used as a noun and adjective, and the plural form pluralises the noun sense, meaning a number of separate episodes of torment. "Torment" itself came into English from Old French "tormenter," which descends from Latin "tormentum," a word for a twisting instrument, related to "torquere," meaning "to twist." The Latin root gave rise to torture devices, and the sense of physical twisting or wrenching carried over into the English noun for suffering.

Synonyms: harassments, afflictions