Synonyms for

Tortured

Verb / ˈtɔ:rtʃɜ:d / Another word for tortured — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To cause someone to suffer severe physical or mental pain.

Synonyms & similar words

torment torture anguished tormented excruciate rack tormented abused maltreated mistreated harassed oppressed persecuted ill-treated hurt injured wounded afflicted agonized anguished pained suffered traumatized vexed worried

Synonyms by register

Formal

afflicted tormented harassed persecuted

Informal

pestered bugged hassled bothered

Literary

wracked racked agony-stricken

Antonyms

comforted soothed relieved eased calmed relaxed

Common collocations

  • tortured soul
  • tortured artist
  • tortured by pain
  • tortured conscience
  • tortured existence
  • tortured by memories
  • tortured by guilt

Word family

noun torture
verb torture
adjective tortured
adverb torturingly

Usage note

The adjective 'tortured' often describes someone experiencing intense mental or emotional suffering, or an artist whose work reflects such struggles. It can also refer to something physically distorted or twisted.

Example sentences

  1. The prisoner was tortured for information.
  2. The teacher tortured the students with a difficult test.
  3. The animal was tortured by its owner.
  4. She felt tortured by her guilty conscience.
  5. His mind was tortured by the memories of war.

Quotes

  • I have been tortured by doubts. Is it really possible for me to become a saint? - Mother Teresa
  • The torture of a bad conscience is the hell of a living soul. - John Calvin
  • The real torture of living with regrets is knowing you can't change the past. - Anonymous

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words